The upcoming months can be pretty stressful with schoolwork, college applications, and the holidays, so sometimes you just need to sit down and unwind for a while. With the temperatures starting to drop, what better way to relax than with a warm drink? Research has shown that holding something warm can improve your mood, decrease anxiety, and even make you friendlier and more positive. So here are some easy, delicious, and toasty drinks to help you unwind this winter.

1. French Vanilla Hot Chocolate

Vanilla adds just that extra hint of warmth to give regular hot chocolate a “freshly-baked cookies” sort of feeling.

Recipe: http://fridgg.com/source?id=6989&s=domesticallyblissful.com%2Ffrench-vanilla-hot-chocolate%2F

2. Mocha Hot Cocoa

This recipe gives instructions for making a mix that you can save for months and make any time, and between the shot of espresso and the cinnamon, it is a perfect drink for getting a little boost of energy before cracking down on homework.

Recipe: http://www.countryliving.com/recipefinder/mocha-cocoa-mix-3037

3. Pumpkin Spice White Hot Chocolate

Anything with the words “pumpkin spice” in the name is obviously going to be both delicious and a perfect seasonal drink.

Recipe: http://www.babble.com/best-recipes/pumpkin-spice-white-hot-chocolate-8-more-pumpkin-spice-recipes/#pumpkin-spice-latte

4. Salted Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate

Few things work together better than chocolate and peanut butter; so obviously making something warm and cozy with the two can only be an improvement.

Recipe: http://oneordinaryday.wordpress.com/2011/01/01/salted-peanut-butter-hot-chocolate/

5. Simple Hot Chocolate

Nothing better than the classics.

Recipe: http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Simple-Hot-Cocoa-For-One-369469

6. Herbal Tea

Hot chocolate does not monopolize the field of cozy drinks, and herbal tea is good for both the mind and body; so you can give your body some much needed vitamins and antioxidants while you relax and de-stress.

Recipe: http://pantrygardenherbs.com/herb-recipes/herb-tea-recipes/basic-rule-of-thumb-for-making-herb-tea/

7. Warm Milk

Milk is super under-rated; it is good for your body, and helps to calm you down and sleep easier. So even though it might not be something you have had since you were four, it may just be the ultimate cozy drink for the upcoming months.

Recipe: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/moms-warm-milk/

8. Peppermint Hot Chocolate

Nothing says winter holidays quite like peppermint, and this touch of mint added to the creamy sweetness of chocolate perfectly mimic that snuggly holiday feeling.

Recipe: http://www.azestybite.com/peppermint-hot-chocolate/

9. Chai tea

Indian spices and black tea with warm milk and sugar could never be more comforting than they are when combined to form this ever-loved, comforting alternative to coffee or hot chocolate.

Recipe: http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Homemade-Chai-201226

1. Nutella Hot Chocolate

Need I say more?

Recipe: http://www.marthastewart.com/1047475/nutella-hot-chocolate