Unless you spend every January completely hidden away under your duvet you’ll have heard of Blue Monday, but what is it and why is it considered the most depressing day of the year?
Taking place on the third Monday of January Blue Monday is supposedly the day of the year when people feel the saddest, due to a combination of horrible weather, the long winter nights and the lingering aftermath of festive excess. Whereas most people now accept it for the PR stunt it is – it was originally launched to encourage people to book holidays – and understand there is no scientific evidence to suggest the day is any more or less depressing that any other day in the year there is a serious side to consider for people feeling particularly vulnerable.
Being told you should be feeling sad on a particular day isn’t healthy or productive, and it also isn’t fair. What if your birthday falls on the third Monday of January one year, or what if you’re proposed to on the third Monday of January? One of the happiest days of your life but everywhere you look you’re being told you should be feeling “blue”.
On the upside Blue Monday does open up conversations about mental health which is always a good thing; from tips on how to counteract any sadness to the sharing of resources if you need to speak to someone normalising mental health issues is important.
Blue Monday is a ‘thing’ however so if all the talk is starting to make you feel a bit low (and if you haven’t been proposed to, or aren’t celebrating a birthday!) here’s our top five (easy) tips to help drown the Blue Monday noise out:
1. Watch your favourite ‘happy’ movie
Whether it be a classic like the Sound of Music or something more recent like Up (who doesn’t cheer up at the sight of Dug??) everyone has that one film that makes them smile and gives them a warm, fuzzy feeling. Plan to watch it in the evening and let the anticipation help get you through the day.
2. Buy a bunch of flowers
Treat yourself to a bunch of fresh flowers, and for extra feel good value buy a second bunch and give them to someone else! There’s nothing quite like a fresh set of blooms to bring a smile to your face, especially if your favourite flower is in season.
3. Turn to tea
Kick start your day with a cup of tea – chamomile is known for its calming qualities – and take part in the Samaritans “Brew Monday” campaign. The charity are encouraging people to connect with a virtual cuppa with a friend or a family member, or maybe a work colleague, and just have a chat and a catch up. Find out more on their website. Biscuits optional but very much encouraged!
4. Wear something colourful
Plan your outfit for the day the night before rather than in a rush 20 minutes before you have to leave for work and inject some colour. It could be as subtle as putting on your favourite red lipstick or maybe a chunky piece of brightly coloured jewellery, or if you want to fully go for it and wear head to toe colour!
5. Listen to a podcast
Grab your headphones and listen to a podcast whilst on a walk, or have one playing in the background whilst you get some admin jobs done. An uplifting listen is Fearne Cotton’s Happy Place or Table Manners with Jessie Ware.
Mental health isn’t just a one day issue and we should be protecting our own as well as other peoples on the third Monday of January just as much as every other day of the year. If you are struggling or want to find out more to help a loved one who is here are some great organisations that offer help and support 365 days a year:
https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/
M O R E F O R Y O U
We wrote a few words last year advising how to look after your mental health when planning a wedding – check it out here.