Q: In your writings, you suggest developing a “positive winter mindset” to combat the potential effects of the season. Here in the Northwest, our winters are often dark, gray and rainy—not so much a snowy wonderland. What are some things we can do to help brighten our moods?

A: My research found that seeing winter as special and full of opportunity was associated with greater life satisfaction and more positive emotions. One important strategy is to work with the darkness: make it cozy inside by lighting candles and using soft lamps. This might sound trivial, but it turns long, gray days from a bummer into an opportunity for ambiance.

Another strategy is to dress in warm, waterproof clothes and go outside in the rain: It often looks much worse from inside than it is outside. If you venture out, properly dressed, the chill air can feel crisp and bracing and the rain can make the city feel soft and quiet—it’s actually much more enjoyable than most people expect.

And finally, I would encourage people to really notice the weather. Places like Seattle have a reputation for rain, but the weather is often more interesting—and more variable—than we give it credit for. Really paying attention to the weather can help us find fascination and curiosity in winter, and also can help us notice when there are sunny days amid the rain.