Blue Monday.
The most depressing day of the year.
But is it really?
The simple answer is... no! Not unless you decide to make it that!
The term #BlueMonday 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 (Friday the 12th of January was Quitter's Day!)
But 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.
We have good days. We have bad days. Maybe you will feel a bit blue on the 15th 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.
I can choose to do yoga tomorrow because I know it makes me feel great. And if I do find myself a little down, that yoga can become a run because I know cardio gets my endorphins going. As does a good laugh with a friend. All things I can choose to do.
What I'm trying to say is, there are some things that will help you feel better this Blue Monday and they are the same things that make you feel good every other day of the year, such as:
- 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. 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 everything 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.
Blue Monday? I say choose your own colour!
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