‘Blue Monday’ is a name given to a day in January (generally the third Monday of the month) claimed to be the most depressing day of the year.
It was originally an idea coined by a holiday company, who calculated the date using an equation containing factors such as the weather, debt, the amount of time elapsed since Christmas and since we failed at our New Year’s Resolutions as well as a general feeling of low motivation.
Let’s have a happy Blue Monday! Here are my ideas to brighten your day…
- Have something to look forward to. Book a restaurant, tickets to a show, spa break, plan a holiday
- Squeeze in 30 minutes of exercise, it could be a fast walk, a light jog, a relaxing swim, or an intense HIIT class. It’s a well-known fact that exercise releases good endorphins, which naturally make you feel happier
- Spend the afternoon at the cinema
- Sit down, write a list of things that make you happy, do them more
- Be kind. Simple acts of kindness and politeness can improve your mental health
- Eat the right foods to feel more energised. ‘Tucking into foods with a low Glycemic Index (GI) – where the sugars are absorbed more slowly – will give you more sustained energy levels,’ says Rob Hobson Healthspan Head of Nutrition
- Low GI foods include whole grains like brown rice, wholemeal pasta and wholemeal bread; high fiber vegetables and nuts and healthy oils
- Proteins and fats also have very low GI
- Get the sleep you dream of
- The Samaritans are aiming to change the day to Brew Monday, by offering a cup of tea and chat at events across the UK
About The Author
Flora Firth
Flora is on her wellness journey and hopes to encourage you to join her. She’s proud to be voicing the importance of mind health in a world where we’re striving for unrealistic perfection.