5 Ways to Fight the Winter Blues This Holiday Season
Winter can be a dreary time. The days are shorter, so when you wake up and come back home from your 9 to 5, it’s completely dark. Plus, the colder weather can keep you stranded inside your home. Well, maybe not in Los Angeles, but you get the point. Regardless, there are plenty of ways to lift your spirits during this season, and The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® is here to offer a few suggestions.
Catch Up with a Friend Over Coffee or Tea
As you get older, it gets tougher to keep in touch with friends. From kids to work to home projects, there’s plenty of reasons why it’s challenging to meet up with your old pal. Make an effort to block out a morning or afternoon and reunite with your buddy at your nearest The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf®. Whether you prefer coffee or tea, we offer several delicious seasonal beverages like Winter Dream Tea®, Peppermint Mocha Latte, and Cookie Butter Latte. Order your drink, grab a Cranberry Orange Muffin, and reminisce about the good ole days.
Drink Chamomile Tea
The days are shorter and darker during wintertime. This means your body’s production of serotonin – the key hormone that stabilizes our mood, well-being, and happiness – is disrupted. The lack of natural light may also disrupt your circadian rhythm, making it harder for you to fall asleep. Chamomile tea has been shown to promote better sleep and boost cognitive function during the day. Try our Lemon Chamomile Herbal Infusion and enjoy its fresh, citrusy taste and aroma.
Get Your Dose of Vitamin D
In SoCal, it doesn’t get that cold, so you’re still able to go outside and enjoy the weather. But in other places, especially the East Coast, the chilly conditions force people to huddle inside their homes near the fireplace or space heater. If you’re in the latter, you might experience low levels of vitamin D, which can cause seasonal affective disorder (SAD). To combat this issue, take a supplement or eat foods rich in vitamin D such as mushrooms, oily fish, and eggs. Also, look into getting a SAD light therapy lamp, which has been shown to improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression.
Create a Diet Plan and Exercise Routine
Have you had the same resolution year after year of getting healthier? If you’re trying to fight off the winter blues, it might be time to follow through with that resolution finally. Whether it’s biking, lifting weights, or swimming, exercise releases a rush of endorphins – chemicals that provide positive feelings in your body. When it comes to your diet, incorporate foods with vitamin B, including salmon, leafy greens, and legumes. Also, check out our selection of green teas. It not only helps boost your energy but also your metabolism.
Stick with a Consistent Sleep Schedule
You always hear, “get eight hours of sleep.” Well, there’s a reason for it. A lack of sleep contributes to a bevy of health problems, including memory problems, mood changes, and reduced cognitive functioning. If the winter blues are getting you down, make sure to get eight hours of sleep and go to bed the same time every night. It’s also important to put away your phone at least an hour before bedtime. The blue light emitting from the screen can keep you wired, making it hard to fall asleep. For sleepy time teas, check out our Lemon Chamomile Herbal Infusion or our other Herbal Infusions.
