We bet that you’ve seen the phrase “Blue Monday” floating around on social media this week. It has been a callous one for many people in the UK and across Europe. Blue Monday is often the most depressing day of the year, with people claiming to be more miserable than almost any other day of the year. But if we want to beat the blues, we need to know what is causing them…
Blue Monday explanation
Blue Monday is said to be the most depressing day of the year, often referred to as “the saddest day of the year.” The date was supposedly coined by a Sky Travel executive in 2005 who wanted to promote winter holidays in Ibiza.
There are many theories about why Blue Monday exists and what makes it so depressing.
Some argue that the end of the winter break makes people feel like they’ve returned to work. Others say winter weather is what causes Blue Monday’s misery, because it forces us indoors and away from nature during a time when we’re meant to be getting as much vitamin D as possible.
What are the causes?
So, what are the main reasons we feel so down on Blue Monday? One of the biggest culprits is that this time of year often changes our routines. The Christmas period is over, and many people have gone back to school or work after taking some time off. For some, the post-holiday slump can be brutal to shake off, especially when you’re spending all day at a desk.
Another reason why some people find themselves more miserable this time of year is because it can feel very dark and cold outside. Studies have shown that daylight impacts our moods, so feeling deprived of sunlight during winter might make us more downbeat than usual.
Finally, many people find that a sense of guilt brings on the January blues. We often feel guilty for overindulging in December, or not meeting our New Year’s resolutions yet. This can lead to stress and unhappiness, which only compound the Blue Monday blues.
So, what can we do to combat these negative emotions?
One of the best things you can do is try and get some exercise. Even a short walk outside can make a big difference to your mood. Alternatively, if the weather is terrible or you don’t have time for a workout, try doing some yoga or meditation in the comfort of your own home.
Another great way to boost your mood is to socialise with friends and family. Whether you meet for a coffee or have a relaxed night in, spending time around people who make you happy can help chase away the January blues.
Finally, don’t be afraid to seek professional help if all else fails. If you feel particularly down and can’t seem to shake the blues, talking to a counsellor might be the best step. They can help you understand your feelings and find ways to deal with them.
So don’t let Blue Monday get you down—there are plenty of things that you can do to improve your mood, no matter how bad you are feeling.
Summary
• You need at least seven hours of sleep.
• Make sure you get some exercise for at least 30 minutes a day. This can even be a walk where you can stop and appreciate the nature!
• Get enough sunlight during the day (and avoid screens at night).
• Make sure you eat healthy and balanced meals. Avoid caffeine and processed foods.
• Connect with your friends and loved ones. Spend time talking to them on the phone, in person, or online.
• Take some time for yourself! Maybe read a book or take a bath. Relaxing your mind is very important in beating the blues.
• Try not to worry about things you cannot control, like whether someone likes your Instagram photo! Worrying will only make you feel worse.
• Lastly, if all else fails, seek professional help. Sometimes talking to a therapist is the best way to get through tough times.
We hope you enjoyed this article and found it informative. If so, please consider sharing the blog post with your friends or colleagues on social media to get the word out about these tips for beating Blue Monday blues!