January usually consists of the blues and Mondays come with their own bad rep. Many of you have probably heard of the day Blue Monday. But what is it?
After a fun Christmas and New Year, January can be seen to be a very miserable month. The weather turns colder, many of us head back to work and are waiting for pay day after an indulgent Christmas. ‘Blue Monday’ is the name that is given to the third Monday in January and is known as the most depressing day of the year. It’s also the day in which most people decide to give up on their New Year’s resolutions.
It may feel like the longest month of the year, but here are some quick tips for a happy Monday:
Exercise:
Don’t roll your eyes at this one, exercise is one of the easiest ways to change your mood. Exercising releases feel good endorphins which make you feel happy. It doesn’t have to be a hardcore HIIT class or weight training session, exercise that’s as simple as walking your four-legged friend will boost your mood. So, get your coat and shoes on, lead up your dog and get out in the fresh air!
Be Kind:
After enjoying Christmas and New Year, there’s always a January lull and the adjustment of going back to the normal routine. Simple acts of kindness have been proven to improve your mental health and make you and others around you feel better.
Vitamin D is Key:
Take care of your health and mind with some sunshine! We know January can be a grey month but try and get out in the fresh air and sunshine as much as you can. Many individuals suffer with SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) during the winter months. This can be helped by sitting near windows especially when it’s sunny, eating a healthy balance diet, taking Vitamin D supplements, and introducing SAD lamps to help you naturally wake at the start of the day.
Write down the positives:
At the end of your day, write down 3 or positive things that have happened to you that day. These can be as small or big as you like as everyone’s wins are different. Writing down positives from your day means you can reflect on what you have achieved and be focused on upcoming days.
Make plans:
We know that January can be tight on the purse strings, but making plans with family, friends or loved ones gives you something to look forward to. Bear in mind that not all plans are costly, a simple walk, picnic or meet up with a friend can brighten your day more than you will ever imagine.