12 min read
Winter Wellbeing: Small Devices That Make Cold Days Easier
By: Venngo Inc. on Jan 15, 2026 2:47:05 PM
Winter has a way of changing how we feel day to day. Shorter daylight hours, colder temperatures, and more time indoors can leave us feeling lower on energy, a bit off our sleep, or simply less motivated than usual.
That’s where small, practical tech tools can make a difference. From lighting that helps mornings feel less abrupt to devices that improve comfort at home, the right tools can support your wellbeing in simple, everyday ways. Below are a few types of winter-friendly tech you may spot in our wellness, home, or electronics perk categories - each designed to make the season feel a little more manageable.
Adding Brightness Where Winter Takes It Away
One of the most powerful antidotes to the winter slump is light – our bodies need bright light to stay in sync. Bright light therapy is considered a gold standard treatment for seasonal affective disorder (SAD) (clinical winter depression)[4]. A simple light therapy lamp on your desk or kitchen table can help simulate the sunlight you’re missing. These lamps emit very bright light (10,000 lux is the typical recommendation) to mimic daylight. For effective use, experts suggest sitting in front of a light box for about 20–30 minutes soon after waking each day[5].
It’s a gentle, non-invasive way to keep your body clock on track when the sun is scarce.
If you’re looking to try light therapy at home, you can find light therapy lamps from retailers like SleepEH, or use a Walmart gift card to explore accessible options that fit your space and routine.
Comfort for Dry Winter Air
Winter air outside can be chilly and dry, but indoor heating often makes things even drier. Ever notice the static shocks, parched throat, or dry skin when your furnace is cranking? You’re not alone. A small portable humidifier is a great fix for this common winter problem. These devices add moisture back into the air, which can help you breathe easier, keep your skin and nasal passages hydrated, and even improve sleep quality by reducing nighttime coughing or congestion[10][11]. As a bonus, research from Energy Star found that homes with good humidity levels feel warmer at lower temperatures, potentially cutting heating costs by up to 15%[12]. (Your wallet and the planet will thank you.) Portable humidifiers come in all sizes, from personal desktop units to small room diffusers, and many are very affordable. Check the home & living, health, or electronics section of your perks; you might find a deal on one of these “moisture makers”. While you're at it, check out deals on coffee makers/machines from GE appliances or KitchenAid to light up your mornings!
If you’re looking to upgrade your indoor air this winter, these three sections: the home and living, health, or electronics sections will be helpful for you. You may find humidifiers and air purifiers from SleepEH, as well as air purifiers from LG - simple additions that can make your home feel more comfortable all season long.
Wearable Wellness Tech: Keeping on Track (and Active)
When it’s cold and dark, our motivation to move can plummet. This is where wearable wellness tech – think fitness trackers, smartwatches, or other health gadgets – can become your personal winter coach. With their unique functions to gently nudge you to stay active, even Netflix under a warm blanket won’t be enticing. Fitness trackers can count steps, monitor your heart rate, track your sleep, and even remind you to get up and stretch. In fact, many people find that just wearing a tracker makes them more likely to reach their daily step goal or choose the stairs over the elevator. Research backs this up: most people who use wearable activity trackers do end up becoming more active and even report feeling healthier and happier. One survey of 1,000 adults found that 80% of participants felt physically and mentally better after using a fitness tracker, and 50% said they increased their physical activity once they started wearing one[14].
Additionally, these gadgets can help you monitor your sleep – which is crucial when winter throws your cycle off. You can see if you’re tossing and turning, and some smartwatches even have gentle alarm features or relaxation apps to improve sleep.
Use your perks to find deals on these popular wearable wellness tools like a Garmin smartwatch, Samsung Galaxy Ring, Samsung Galaxy Watch, or RENPHO.
Making Winter Brighter (with a Little Help from Tech)
Winter wellbeing is about taking extra good care of ourselves. That might look like sitting by a light lamp with your coffee in the morning, waking up to a gentle simulated sunrise, breathing easier with a humidifier nearby, or tracking your steps to make sure you get that mood-boosting walk in. Small actions add up. Embracing a few of these tech solutions can help you maintain your energy, mood, and comfort during the cold, dark months.
Sources:
- Mayo Clinic Health System – Seasonal affective disorder: Not just the winter blues[1]
- Athlete Training & Health – Effects of reduced daylight on circadian rhythm (Winter Season & Mental Health)[2]
- The Guardian – How reduced daylight disrupts our circadian clock and mood[15]
- BodySpec Blog – Sunrise alarm clocks and circadian rhythm[6]
- Leppämäki et al., Biol. Psychiatry – Study: Dawn simulation improves winter sleep quality[7]
- Sleep Health Solutions Ohio – Benefits of humidifiers for sleep and health[11]
- Food & Wine – Warm drinks linked to better winter mood and sleep (SDSU study)[13]
- YourOrthoSolution – Wearable fitness tech benefits (survey results)[14]
Disclaimer:
- Our perks are here for you; however, they vary by employer and are subject to change.
- Whenever dealing with health matters, it is always better to consult your doctor before making any changes.
- Perks are subject to change, and some perks are tailored to your organization prior to launching