Santosha

Santosha (skt. संतोष saṃtoṣa) literally means "contentment, satisfaction".

It can simple be called Cheerfulness..

Winter is a time when the weather is very harsh. It can make us feel gloomy, dull and sometimes sad. The sun has a tremendous influence on us. So during winter, when visibility is less, it is time to invoke the "Inner Sun" - enthusiasm and cheerfulness.

Cheerfulness helps in developing contentment and peace. It's the doorway to the Self. Cheerfulness has innumerable benefits, such as releasing the feel-good-hormones (Serotonin, Oxytocin, Dopamine, Endorphins). Even amidst stressful situations we can keep up our cheerfulness and this will bring in all those neuro-chemicals. This is why Patanjali included it as one of the Niyamas (Personal Practices).

• DO! Do something everyday (for 10 minutes) which makes you happy. You can sing a song, draw a picture, massage your feet, juggle with 3 balls, write in your gratitude journal, or even collect some leaves and flowers and make a flower vase.

• MEDITATE! Set the timer for 5 minutes. Sit in an easy chair, close your eyes and smile. Remember to keep your phone in airplane mode during this time.

• SMILE! Smile while commuting. Smile in your workplace. Smile even when there anxious moments.

• PLAY! Play with children and pets.