Even the biggest fans of winter dream of long summer days ahead.
So, how do you keep feel-good vibes going all winter long?
Together with Starbucks, we set out to find ways to boost your mood through every morning wakeup and chilly afternoon walk—and we’re offering each handy tip to you, generator style. Click on the three winter priorities (gathering with friends, showing yourself gratitude, and celebrating small goals) to find the perks and practices you need today. Winter, meet your mood-boosting match.
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Aim for one meaningful social interaction each day
According to friendship coach Danielle Bayard Jackson, human connection has a major impact on feelings of fulfillment and purpose—and it’s especially critical in the can-be-isolating winter months.
Her simple tip? Seek one connection a day. (Consider everything else a bonus.) “This can be with a stranger in passing or with an existing friend, and it doesn’t have to be long,” Jackson says. “These interactions keep us from socially withdrawing and exacerbating feelings of loneliness.” So go ahead and strike up a conversation with the barista you see every morning.
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Whats Your Winter
Feel-Good Vibe?
gather
Pistachio Frappuccino Blended Beverage
Pistachio, brown-buttery topping, coffee, and milk? That’s delight in a cup. The seasonal Starbucks® drink is an easy way to give yourself a little love this winter—and to extend it to anyone who crosses your path.
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Starbucks is about much more than just that iconic cup—it’s about sprinkling kindness, inspiring others, and finding uplifting connection. So give the gift of coffee, anonymously or to a friend, next time you’re ordering at your local café.
Make Your Next Starbucks Trip a Generous One
“One way to combat loneliness is to engage in prosocial behaviors: doing kind things,” friendship coach Danielle Bayard Jackson says. This winter, “lean into connection when you’re tempted to isolate.”
When initiating connection feels intimidating (which is normal, by the way), practice shifting your perspective. “If someone reached out to you, you’d likely feel flattered,” she says. So be bold and text a friend who’s struggling, offer your seat to a stranger on the subway, or cover someone’s coffee in the drive-thru line—because caring for others will, in turn, fill your own cup.
Fill your cup through random acts of kindness
gather
order now
This winter, find ways to turn solo experiences into social ones—like enjoying camaraderie and conversations over a super-smooth, creamy Cold Brew from Starbucks.
Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew
“Think of a day and time you can regularly do something with a friend,” friendship coach Danielle Bayard Jackson says. Doing so will help you maintain connections, but it’s more than that— “spending time with friends is one of the best things we can do for our health. It boosts your mood and reduces cortisol (the stress hormone!).”
And remember that bigger isn’t better. “Sometimes we become immobilized by the pressure to host a fancy dinner to spend time with friends,” she says, but a conversation over coffee or a cozy movie night at home can be just as nurturing. “Your friends don’t need fancy hors d’oeuvres—they just need quality time with you.”
Establish a friendship ritual and keep it simple
gather
order now
Take your gratitude session to Starbucks and savor a seasonal beverage while you reflect on your blessings, big and small. Cool sips bursting with pistachio flavor and topped with salted, brown-buttery sprinkles will make every moment—spent solo or with people you love—a sweet one.
Pistachio Cream Cold Brew
In need of some positive juju this season? A daily gratitude practice is a good place to start. According to mindfulness coach Josephine Atluri, making gratitude a habit helps you play an active role in your life as it unfolds. “During the winter months, when it can be easier to fall prey to the effects of cold weather and shorter days, practicing gratitude can help us reframe our perspectives allowing us to lean into moments of life with grace and ease,” she says.
If you need some help getting started, just focus on the small stuff. “Often, it’s the little things that make us feel alive and appreciative,” Atluri says, "like that first cup of coffee in the morning or a few minutes of quiet.”
Make your gratitude practice
a daily habit
gratitude
explore now
Want a moment of solitude to reflect on what you’re thankful for?
Take a trip to Starbucks for a simple way to help fill you up emotionally. Next time you’re in need of inspiration, an uplift, or a meaningful connection, pop into your local café.
Fill up with Starbucks
Tapping into gratitude is as simple as breathing (yes, really). To stay grounded and grateful through every season, mindfulness coach Josephine Atluri relies on a daily breathwork exercise she calls “letting go to let in”—exhaling out what no longer serves you and inhaling what nourishes you.
Next time you need a beat of solitude, a pause during your hectic schedule, or a moment to reconnect with the things you’re most grateful for, try Atluri’s practice. “Close your eyes,” she says. “Imagine you are breathing out any tension, stress, or worries. Breathe in through your nose, and imagine you are filling up with whatever you need in the moment to feel nourished and whole—light, energy, calm, love, compassion.”
Incorporate breathwork into your daily self-care routine
gratitude
order now
New to this whole gratitude thing? Allow your daily coffee to guide you through a simple practice. With each velvety, sweet sip of this seasonal Starbucks® Pistachio Latte, consider something you’re thankful for. Want to take it a step further? Spread your gratitude vibes by grabbing a gift card for a friend so they can join in, too.
Pistachio Latte
Having a tough day, or can’t think of anything you’re grateful for? “Visualize a time when you felt grateful for something,” mindfulness coach Josephine Atluri says. “Make sure to call to mind as much detail as possible to make the visualization vivid and more impactful.”
“Give yourself grace—listing gratitudes doesn’t have to mean your life is happy and perfect,” she says. “Gratefulness…necessitates grace, self-compassion, openness, and vulnerability.” So look around for the tiny things that make you feel thankful, and encourage someone you love to do the same.
Remember that gratitude doesn’t have to be grandiose
gratitude
order now
Staying active is key to holistic well-being, especially through the winter. Set a goal to bundle up for a morning walk or jog once a week, and end your jaunt on a fun, festive note by making Starbucks your destination. Welcome, little win.
Destination: Starbucks
The winter can bring on some serious blues. To combat them, clinical psychologist Aimee Daramus, PsyD recommends setting simple, uplifting goals that lead to little wins. “If you’re feeling [low], goals might include getting a sunlight lamp, finding some exercise you genuinely like…, and pursuing hobbies that bring you pleasure,” she says.
Why? “Goals help you measure success and know when to pursue something and when to rest,” Dr. Daramus says. “Achievable goals help you collect proof that you’re competent and you’re succeeding.” And a confidence boost is always welcome, no matter the season.
Set an attainable goal that’s
all about joy
goals
order now
A fresh Starbucks brew is a simple and satisfying way to honor your little wins. With this Iced Shaken Espresso, celebrate all that you’ve accomplished today (yes, there’s always something) and take it on the go to help you accomplish what’s next.
Iced Shaken Espresso
Tangibly tracking your goals is key to manifesting joy in everyday moments. “It doesn’t matter if it’s on paper, a spreadsheet, or an app,” says clinical psychologist Aimee Daramus, PsyD. “As often as possible, use check marks or numbers to make goal tracking really easy.”
Doing so helps you celebrate the results less and your progress more—which is especially important as winter sets in. “Keep your goals and your tracking system easy,” she says, “so you stay encouraged and motivated.”
Write down your goals, and focus on your progress
goals
order now
Your challenge this winter? Try slowing down. This Starbucks medley of Blonde espresso, brown sugar, and cinnamon, shaken together and topped with oat milk, encourages you to pause and remember that every moment matters.
Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso
“Celebrating small wins is about recognizing that you’re worthwhile just as you are, imperfect as you are,” Aimee Daramus, PsyD says. And sending yourself that message is especially essential this time of year when seasonal effects can try to convince you otherwise, Dr. Daramus says.
Next time you’re feeling distracted, overwhelmed, or swept away by your to-do list, “remember to stop and pay attention to your small celebrations,” Dr. Daramus says. Whether it’s putting your phone on Do Not Disturb or taking a walk around the block, set a goal of staying present. “Really savor that cup of coffee for a few minutes with no distractions,” she says.
Pause to stay present in the moment
goals
Gratitude
Goals
'
Winter Feel-Good Vibe
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Your Subtractive Goals May Be Holding You Back Here’s How To Set Additive Ones, According to Joy Experts
5 Mood-Boosting Tips for Your Morning Routine if You Get the Winter Blues
The Skeptic’s Guide to Gratitude That Won’t Make You Want to Roll Your Eyes
Why a Gratitude Journal Can Help With Anxiety, Sleep, and More And the Best Ones
Goals
Goals
Gratitude
Gratitude
Gather
Gather
®
order now
Pistachio, brown-buttery topping, espresso, and milk? That’s cozy in a cup. The seasonal Starbucks®️ latte is an easy way to give yourself some comfort this winter—and to extend it to anyone who crosses your path.
Pistachio Frappuccino Blended Beverage
According to friendship coach Danielle Bayard Jackson, human connection has a major impact on feelings of fulfillment and purpose—and it’s especially critical in the can-be-isolating winter months.
Her simple tip? Seek one connection a day. (Consider everything else a bonus.) “This can be with a stranger in passing or with an existing friend, and it doesn’t have to be long,” Jackson says. “These interactions keep us from socially withdrawing and exacerbating feelings of loneliness.” So go ahead and strike up a conversation with the barista you see every morning.
Aim for one meaningful social interaction each day
gather
explore now
Pistachio, brown-buttery topping, espresso, and milk? That’s cozy in a cup. The seasonal Starbucks® latte is an easy way to give yourself some comfort this winter—and to extend it to anyone who crosses your path.
Make Your Next Starbucks Trip a Generous One
According to friendship coach Danielle Bayard Jackson, human connection has a major impact on feelings of fulfillment and purpose—and it’s especially critical in the can-be-isolating winter months.
Her simple tip? Seek one connection a day. (Consider everything else a bonus.) “This can be with a stranger in passing or with an existing friend, and it doesn’t have to be long,” Jackson says. “These interactions keep us from socially withdrawing and exacerbating feelings of loneliness.” So go ahead and strike up a conversation with the barista you see every morning.
Fill your cup through random acts of kindness
gather
order now
Pistachio, brown-buttery topping, espresso, and milk? That’s cozy in a cup. The seasonal Starbucks® latte is an easy way to give yourself some comfort this winter—and to extend it to anyone who crosses your path.
Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew
According to friendship coach Danielle Bayard Jackson, human connection has a major impact on feelings of fulfillment and purpose—and it’s especially critical in the can-be-isolating winter months.
Her simple tip? Seek one connection a day. (Consider everything else a bonus.) “This can be with a stranger in passing or with an existing friend, and it doesn’t have to be long,” Jackson says. “These interactions keep us from socially withdrawing and exacerbating feelings of loneliness.” So go ahead and strike up a conversation with the barista you see every morning.
Establish a friendship ritual and keep it simple
gather
order now
This winter, find ways to turn solo experiences into social ones—like enjoying camaraderie and conversations over a super-smooth, creamy Cold Brew from Starbucks.
Pistachio Cream Cold Brew
“Think of a day and time you can regularly do something with a friend,” friendship coach Danielle Bayard Jackson says. Doing so will help you maintain connections, but it’s more than that— “spending time with friends is one of the best things we can do for our health. It boosts your mood and reduces cortisol (the stress hormone!).”
And remember that bigger isn’t better. “Sometimes we become immobilized by the pressure to host a fancy dinner to spend time with friends,” she says, but a conversation over coffee or a cozy movie night at home can be just as nurturing. “Your friends don’t need fancy hors d’oeuvres—they just need quality time with you.”
Make your gratitude practice a daily habit
Gratitude
explore now
This winter, find ways to turn solo experiences into social ones—like enjoying camaraderie and conversations over a super-smooth, creamy Cold Brew from Starbucks.
Fill up with Starbucks
“Think of a day and time you can regularly do something with a friend,” friendship coach Danielle Bayard Jackson says. Doing so will help you maintain connections, but it’s more than that— “spending time with friends is one of the best things we can do for our health. It boosts your mood and reduces cortisol (the stress hormone!).”
And remember that bigger isn’t better. “Sometimes we become immobilized by the pressure to host a fancy dinner to spend time with friends,” she says, but a conversation over coffee or a cozy movie night at home can be just as nurturing. “Your friends don’t need fancy hors d’oeuvres—they just need quality time with you.”
Incorporate breathwork into your daily self-care routine
gratitude
order now
Want a moment of solitude to reflect on what you’re thankful for? Take a trip to Starbucks for a simple way to help fill you up emotionally. Next time you’re in need of inspiration, an uplift, or a meaningful connection, pop into your local café.
Pistachio Latte
Tapping into gratitude is as simple as breathing (yes, really). To stay grounded and grateful through every season, mindfulness coach Josephine Atluri relies on a daily breathwork exercise she calls “letting go to let in”—exhaling out what no longer serves you and inhaling what nourishes you.
Next time you need a beat of solitude, a pause during your hectic schedule, or a moment to reconnect with the things you’re most grateful for, try Atluri’s practice. “Close your eyes,” she says. “Imagine you are breathing out any tension, stress, or worries. Breathe in through your nose, and imagine you are filling up with whatever you need in the moment to feel nourished and whole—light, energy, calm, love, compassion.”
Remember that gratitude doesn’t have to be grandiose
gratitude
explore now
New to this whole gratitude thing? Allow your daily coffee to guide you through a simple practice. With each velvety, sweet sip of this seasonal Starbucks® Pistachio Latte, consider something you’re thankful for. Want to take it a step further? Spread your gratitude vibes by grabbing a gift
card for a friend so they can join in, too.
Destination: Starbucks
Having a tough day, or can’t think of anything you’re grateful for? “Visualize a time when you felt grateful for something,” mindfulness coach Josephine Atluri says. “Make sure to call to mind as much detail as possible to make the visualization vivid and more impactful.”
“Give yourself grace—listing gratitudes doesn’t have to mean your life is happy and perfect,” she says. “Gratefulness…necessitates grace, self-compassion, openness, and vulnerability.” So look around for the tiny things that make you feel thankful, and encourage someone you love to do the same.
Set an attainable goal that’s all about joy
goals
order now
Staying active is key to holistic well-being, especially through the winter. Set a goal to bundle up for a morning walk or jog once a week, and end your jaunt on a fun, festive note by making Starbucks your destination. Welcome, little win.
Iced Shaken Espresso
The winter can bring on some serious blues. To combat them, clinical psychologist Aimee Daramus, PsyD recommends setting simple, uplifting goals that lead to little wins. “If you’re feeling [low], goals might include getting a sunlight lamp, finding some exercise you genuinely like…, and pursuing hobbies that bring you pleasure,” she says.
Why? “Goals help you measure success and know when to pursue something and when to rest,” Dr. Daramus says. “Achievable goals help you collect proof that you’re competent and you’re succeeding.” And a confidence boost is always welcome, no matter the season.
Write down your goals, and focus on your progress
goals
order now
A fresh Starbucks brew is a simple
and satisfying way to honor your little wins. With this Iced Shaken Espresso, celebrate all that you’ve accomplished today (yes, there’s always something) and take it on the go to help you accomplish what’s next.
Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso
Tangibly tracking your goals is key to manifesting joy in everyday moments. “It doesn’t matter if it’s on paper, a spreadsheet, or an app,” says clinical psychologist Aimee Daramus, PsyD. “As often as possible, use check marks or numbers to make goal tracking really easy.”
Doing so helps you celebrate the results less and your progress more—which is especially important as winter sets in. “Keep your goals and your tracking system easy,” she says, “so you stay encouraged and motivated.”
Pause to stay present in
the moment
goals
Pistachio, brown-buttery topping, espresso, and milk? That’s cozy in a cup. The seasonal Starbucks® latte is an easy way to give yourself some comfort this winter—and to extend it to anyone who crosses your path.
Whats Your Winter
Feel-Good Vibe?