Blue Monday.
The most depressing day of the year.
But is it really?
The simple answer is... no!
The term #BlueMonday is only about 15 years old and was discovered by psychologist Cliff Arnall who came up with a scientific formula proving that it's the saddest day of the year. The formula takes into account weather, our levels of debt, the fact we are back at work after the Christmas holidays and lacking motivation and the fact many have already started failing at keeping up with their new year's resolutions. But there is nothing scientific about this at all. The truth is how we feel on the third Monday of January is completely up to us. We are in control of our feelings on this day just as much as we are on every other day of the year.
Blue Monday is a myth. Fact,
We have good days. We have bad days. Maybe you will feel a bit blue on the 18th January this year. Maybe you won't. That's just how it goes. Can you do anything to try and escape the Blue Monday feelings? Of course you can! You're in control, remember?!
The answer is mindset. Mindset plays a big part in how we feel, how we choose to feel. We can choose to look on the bright side and find the positives throughout the day.
We can choose to do things that we know make us feel good.
We can choose to tell ourselves it's just another Monday.
There are some things that will help you feel better this Blue Monday and they are the same things that make us feel good every other day of the year:
- Focus on the positives. Really notice the good things that happen throughout the day.
- Get outside. A dose of Vitamin D will boost your mood so get outside and get moving. When indoors, open a window to let in some fresh air and sunlight.
- Get moving. Exercise is scientifically proven to boost our moods. So move! If you are tight on time, a 20 minute brisk walk at lunchtime is better than nothing. In fact, during the week, it's my non-negotiable to prepare me for the second half of my working day.
- Do something good. Be kind. Help someone out. Pay someone a compliment. Acts of kindness boost our levels of wellbeing.
- Practice gratitude. Be thankful for the little things, the big things and all those in between.
- Listen to some upbeat music. This always works. Now dance around like no ones watching!
- Treat yourself. Instead of dreading the 'most depressing day of the year', plan something nice. A bubble bath, a glass of wine with your dinner, some chocolate, a call with your best friend, whatever is a treat for you. Have something to look forward to.
Maybe even with all of the above you'll still feel a little blue. Well, remember that tomorrow is another day. Just don't give in to Blue Monday. Never stop trying to help yourself feel better. Keep going.
As my yoga teacher this morning said, "Each breath is a new beginning."
Blue Monday?
I say choose your own colour!
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