The Power of Art to Lift Your Mood and Brighten Winter Days
"Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time." — Thomas Merton
Living in the Pacific Northwest, overcast skies and endless shades of gray are a routine part of life—especially in the winter months. Having grown up in Southern California, I thought I would struggle with the transition, but I’ve come to love the weather here. That said, by the time February rolls around, it’s easy for the grayness outside to start seeping into my bones and affecting my mood. In those moments, I turn to art and creating.
Art is often seen as a hobby, something to do in your free time. But in reality, art is for everyone—it’s not about talent, but about expression. Throughout history, humans have turned to creativity to process emotions, tell stories, and find solace. Whether through cave paintings, folk crafts, or modern digital art, the act of creating is woven into the human experience. But I’ve found that creativity is much more than that—it’s a lifeline, a way to connect with myself and add beauty to my days. Even if art isn’t your career, its importance in our lives is undeniable. As Pablo Picasso once said, "Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life." Creativity allows us to shift our focus, to be present, and to infuse warmth and joy into even the coldest days.
At Amicreative, I believe that art should be accessible to all—whether it’s through painting, journaling, or simply surrounding yourself with inspiring visuals. Creativity isn’t reserved for professionals; it’s a fundamental part of being human, a way to reconnect with yourself and the world around you. I find that even the smallest creative acts, like doodling in a notebook or choosing a new color palette for a project, can have a profound impact on our well-being. I believe in the power of everyday creativity—the small creative moments that add meaning to our routines. Whether it’s flipping through the vibrant pages of a sketchbook, working with a familiar pattern, or surrounding yourself with colors that spark joy, creativity brings life to even the grayest days. This winter, let’s embrace art as a form of self-care, a way to lift our spirits, and a means to beat the winter blues. Here are some simple ways to bring more art and creativity into your daily life this season.
Start a Winter Sketchbook to Cultivate Mindfulness and Creativity
Simple Drawing Exercises to Relax Your Mind
Getting a new sketchbook can be a fresh start, whether you consider yourself an artist or not. The simple act of putting pen to paper can be a powerful tool for combating the winter blues and lifting your mood. If you're unsure where to start, try drawing simple repetitive shapes like circles, lines, or patterns—no expectations, no pressure. These small, meditative exercises help shift your focus away from seasonal blues, bringing a sense of warmth and relaxation as you immerse yourself in the creative process.
If you want a bit more direction on where to start, I put this together this list of simple drawing prompts to help you get pen to paper without overthinking. Whether you’re sketching flowers, everyday objects, or animals, the goal is to enjoy the process—no judgment, no perfection, just creativity. The point isn't to create a masterpiece but to enjoy the act of creating. No judgment, no need to show anyone—just let yourself play with lines and color. The more color, the better to combat the winter blues!
Create a Mood Board or Vision Board to Spark Inspiration
"We don’t make mistakes, just happy little accidents." — Bob Ross
If drawing isn’t your thing, you can still tap into your creative side by making a mood board or vision board with found objects. Use materials like wrapping paper, craft paper, washi tape, old magazines, and even junk mail to piece together an inspiring collage.
Take something old and unused and give it new purpose in your art. Our illustrated wrapping paper can double as craft paper—save scraps of wrapping paper for projects like this. Illustrated gift tags and old greeting cards can be repurposed in your art or scrapbooking, adding layers of texture and color to your creations. Find words of inspiration from your favorite books or poems, jot them down, and add images and colors that resonate with your mood and aspirations. This creative practice requires no formal training or artistic talent—just a willingness to experiment and enjoy the process.
We are all born with the capacity and need to create. Spending time creating for the sake of your well-being is a great way to bring light and warmth into your winter days.
Cozy Indoor Hobbies to Spark Creativity and Warmth
Try Needlepoint and Handcrafted Art to Stay Inspired
If you prefer creating with a bit more instruction, there are plenty of other ways to stay creative. If you’re looking for a relaxing, meditative activity, embroidery kits are a great option. It’s slow, satisfying, and gives you something beautiful at the end.
Here are some of my favorites: Amy Frazer of Keller Design Co., a talented friend of mine, makes lovely embroidery kits. Her National Parks series is a perfect way to combat time spent indoors while dreaming about your next outdoor adventure. Sheri Cifaldi-Morrill of Whole Circle Studio creates beautifully simple kits featuring ladybugs, moths, and bees.
If you’re looking for a more in-depth creative hobby, needle felting is a great option. I was introduced to it by my friend, Dani Ives, a renowned fiber artist. Dani offers classes on learning to paint with wool, creating a range of animals in both bright and moody styles. This type of crafting is incredibly therapeutic, and the textured results are unlike anything else.
Cooking as a Creative Outlet
Cooking is another wonderful way to bring creativity into your life during the winter. Experimenting with new recipes engages your senses and brings warmth to your home. Think of it as an art form—playing with colors, textures, and flavors to create something nourishing and beautiful.
One of my newest favorite accounts to follow is Veganesh Kitchen. Divya shares quick, flavor-rich recipes that pull at my heart—they are inspired by our Gujarati upbringing. Another favorite of mine is Rainbow Plant Life. While I am not vegan, I am always on the lookout for interesting and creative ways to bring warmth and flavor to my food. Whether you're styling a meal for a cozy night in or plating a dish with extra care, focusing on the creative process in the kitchen can make winter days feel brighter and more fulfilling. And of course, adding a beautifully illustrated apron and kitchen towels will add a touch of warmth as you create inviting meals to stave off the winter cold. Whether you're styling a meal for a cozy night in or plating a dish with extra care, focusing on the creative process in the kitchen can make winter days feel brighter and more fulfilling.
Embrace Creativity to Brighten Your Winter Days
"To practice any art, no matter how well or badly, is a way to make your soul grow." — Kurt Vonnegut
Winter can feel long and heavy, but creativity has a way of bringing warmth and joy to even the coldest days. Whether it's through sketching, crafting, cooking, or simply surrounding yourself with inspiring colors, the act of creating allows us to stay present and find small moments of happiness.
No matter your skill level, there is space for you to embrace creativity in your own way. So pick up a pen, a needle, or a mixing spoon—whatever sparks joy—and let the process of making be your remedy for the winter blues.
