I guess that’s why they call it the blues
The decorations are down, the weather is bitter and pay day still seems a long way off… No wonder the third Monday in January is dubbed ‘
Blue Monday’, allegedly the most depressing day of the year. The term originated back in 2004 when travel company, Sky Travel, asked a psychologist for a ‘scientific formula’ for the January blues and he came up with the moniker.
There’s no denying that dark afternoons and plunging temperatures can take their toll, but there are a few effective strategies we can adopt to boost our personal wellbeing, which is essential for our health and happiness.
- It’s all about you: Taking care of yourself should be a top priority. This includes practising good hygiene, getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods and engaging in regular physical activity. Establishing a self-care routine helps maintain a sense of normalcy and stability.
- Walking on sunshine: While it may sound counter intuitive, get out in that winter weather! Getting some natural light can be invigorating and really help your mood. Embrace the power of sunlight!
- Rainy days and Mondays: Don’t let gloomy days drain you of your motivation. Spending time with friends and family is important. And these days if people are far away it’s not a problem. Arrange virtual get-togethers, organise online game nights, or simply reach out with phone calls or video chats. Maintaining social connections can significantly boost our mood and well-being.
- Spending time with Girls (and boys) just want to have fun: Given it’s a new year, have a look around to see if there are any new activities you can get involved with. And make time to do things you enjoy doing. This could be anything from reading a good book, watching Netflix or practising a hobby. Engaging in activities that make you happy can significantly improve your mood and overall well-being.
- Always on my mind: You’ve probably heard of mindfulness, the practice of being fully present in the moment, and this can help at this time of year. Take time each day to engage in mindful activities such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or even simply focusing on the present moment while engaging in routine tasks like cooking or showering. Additionally, cultivating an attitude of gratitude by reflecting on the things we are thankful for can shift our mindset and increase feelings of positivity.
- Working 9-5: In the workplace, don’t try to be a superhero and work through your lunch break. Breaks are needed and will ensure you feel refreshed for the rest of the day. And remember to say hydrated. It’ll help you to feel energised.
Take heart! If we had no winter, the spring wouldn’t be so wonderful. Warmer, longer, sunnier days are just around the corner. Here comes the sun indeed.
*If you’re wondering why there are a few song titles dotted throughout this blog, research has shown that listening to music can make you feel good too![i]
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