Each year in January we have Blue Monday.
Often referred to as the most depressing day of the year, researchers have cited the third Monday of January as a day when we are at our lowest, but it doesn’t have to be this way.
Blue Monday was awarded the gloomy title due to a combination of reasons. Christmas and New Year joy has evaporated, resolutions and motivation begin to crack and wane, finances can be stretched and we find ourselves in the thick of winter.
However, it is important not to allow the concept to become a self-fulfilling prophecy. The day can present an opportunity to check in with yourself, practise some self-care and a chance to look after your physical and mental health.
Perhaps it is time to retrain our brain and change our outlook on the month itself- maybe January could be a time for gentleness, reflection and self-compassion rather than abstinence and self-criticism.
January is a bleak month but a positive spin on the gloomy dark days of winter is to think of the days getting a little brighter with each one that passes and is another step closer to Spring and Summer. There is something reassuring about the subtle change in nature in anticipation of better weather that can lift our spirits and encourage us to look to the future.
Or why not carve out some time for yourself this blue Monday and make plans to brighten up the day.
- Enjoy a sunrise morning walk
- Have a slow, gentle morning or breakfast
- Spend quality time with family/kids
- Explore, and appreciate, your local area and surrounds
- Get out in nature
- Plan an adventure or complete a task you have been avoiding
- Embrace online learning
- Tackle that big DIY project and much-avoided clear-out
- Develop a new gardening skills
- Learn to cook or bake something new
- Catch up with friends
Activity/Health
Now is a good time as we start new beginnings to think about your health. Being active and having a healthy heart has never been more important. A regular walk will make a big difference and there is plenty of workouts or classes online, no matter what your fitness level. Carve out time for you!
Self-care
Managing our stress and anxiety levels is essential and many people use meditation or yoga. But everyone is different, and some find painting or gardening works. Explore some options and find what works for you.
Appreciation
The New Year gives us time to reflect and consider our surroundings, our family, friends, and appreciate all that is good in our lives. It also gives us the opportunity to consider changing things which perhaps were not so good for us.
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