3 ways to tackle holiday blues in Beijing this winter

Image: Matthew Henry via Unsplash

Give yourself some love this season of giving

Ah, the holidays. Let's face it – despite all the festivities and countless holiday brunches and dinners, this time of year can be pretty lonely for some of us. If you're feeling blue this winter, here are three ways you can look out for yourself this holiday season.

Talk it out

Every now and then it's good just to have someone to talk to – that's where organisations like Lifeline Shanghai come in. Founded in 2004, Lifeline is a toll-free, English-language telephone hotline that offers free, confidential and anonymous emotional support from 10am-10pm, 365 days of the year. Although located in Shanghai, the operators are available to talk to anyone in crisis. For more information, visit their website (lifeline-shanghai.com) or call [phone].

For something longer term, there are a number of counselling services around Beijing, such as those offered at Raffles Medical and Beijing United Family Hospital, as well as CandleX, which hosts bimonthly, confidential gatherings for Beijing's English-speaking community. For more information, visit our guide to mental health resources in Beijing.

Help others

Sometimes the best way to help ourselves is to help others. If you're looking for a way to give back this holiday season, check out some of these great volunteer opportunities. Whether it's for the environment, for animals or supporting kids' education, there are plenty of groups in Beijing that are always on the hunt for helping hands.

Take a break

The weather may be dull and grey in Beijing, but in the likes of Vietnam and Malaysia things are looking pretty sunny, so take the time to allow yourself some well-deserved R&R and Vitamin D. Want something a bit closer to home? Meet the neighbours at Kyrgyzstan, journey along the Silk Road at Xinjiang or enjoy stunning views at Qinghai. Short on time or budget? Treat yourself to a quick break from the concrete jungle and try out one of Beijing's best day trips or hot springs.

Whichever way you finish out 2019, be sure to give yourself some love this season of giving.

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