5 Ways to Find Holiday Cheer (and fight loneliness) This Season

5 Ways to Find Holiday Cheer (and Fight Loneliness) This Season

The holidays will look a little different this year and you may not be able to visit your family and enjoy your annual holiday traditions together like you usually do and zoom calls may only help so much. While fighting loneliness isn’t easy, with a little effort, there are things you can do to feel connected. Here’s how to beat the winter blues this holiday season.

Give Back to the Community

Helen Keller once said, “The unselfish effort to bring cheer to others will be the beginning of a happier life for ourselves.” Follow these wise words and help others in need this holiday season.

There are lots of rewarding volunteer opportunities you can do. Consider lending a helping hand at a local toy drive and bringing smiles to underprivileged children in your community. Volunteering at a food pantry is another excellent way to give back to the community. The holiday season is a busy time for food pantries, so the staff will greatly appreciate your time and effort. Don’t forget about your furry friends, either. Check with your local animal shelter to see what their needs are. Who knows, you might bring a new pal home!

Unplug from Social Media

Paying attention to anything and everything on social media can be exhausting. In fact, it may increase depression and loneliness. According to a study published in the Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, there is a causal link between social media use and adverse effects on your well-being, particularly depression and loneliness. 

Don’t let FOMO bring you down. Try to unplug from social media for a bit. After some time has passed, see how you feel. It may give you a sense of clarity and peace of mind.

Work Up a Sweat

Exercise is one of the simplest ways to beat winter depression. For at least 30 minutes a day, do an activity to release those endorphins and get your heart rate up. It doesn’t have to be a rigorous boot camp workout, either. Something as simple as a walk around your neighborhood can make a positive impact on your mood. 

In SoCal, it doesn’t get cold very often, so take advantage of our year-round sunshine and soak up that vitamin D. A healthy dose of vitamin D can help fight depression, rev up weight loss, and boost your immune system. 

Take Up a New Hobby

Hobbies aren’t just a way to pass the time. They can really improve your quality of living. There are countless hobbies to choose from, and many of them provide health benefits, too. Gardening has been linked to a lower risk of heart attack, stroke, and dementia. Writing is a great tool for self-expression and can improve memory, stress levels, and sleep. 

The most important thing to remember is that hobbies are supposed to bring you joy. Think of the last time hours passed and you didn’t even notice. What were you doing? That’ll help figure out what your new hobby should be.

Get Digital Coffee or Tea with a Friend

This year has been tough on everyone. Take this time to reach out to an old friend you haven’t contacted in a while. You’ll have a chance to catch up, and they’ll greatly appreciate you checking in on them. 

Before meeting up via FaceTime or Zoom, stop by The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® and pick up your favorite seasonal drink, like the Peppermint Mocha Cold Brew Latte or our beloved Winter Dream Tea® Latte. Don’t forget to pair your drinks with tasty treats like our pastries and muffins, so you can catch up all morning or afternoon long.