The third Monday of January, is known as Blue Monday, the most depressing day of the year. There are claims that there is a scientific formula behind it that takes into account variables.

You know like weather, debt, monthly salary, time since Christmas, time since failing our new year’s resolutions, low motivational levels, and the feeling of a need to take action.

 

What Makes The Blue Monday So Blue And What Can We Do About It

Let’s take a closer look at these variables, how they may affect us and how to take a wellfulness approach to make Blue Monday a Bright Blue one.

 

1. Weather

It is a factor that can affect the way we feel. Of course, bright sunny days are better than greyer colder ones. But it is up to us how affected we allow ourselves to be. Like with almost everything in life, we do have a choice. Unless you have recently moved to a new city or country and you are not yet accustomed to the weather, you know how’s the weather most likely to be in January. In the UK, where I’m based, a shorter and darker day is the norm for January. So the surprise comes in the form of sunshine and blue skies rather than the opposite.

 

Therefore, there is no point in waking up and feeling frustrated about the grey skies, is there?

Solution: How about changing the light bulbs in your home with brighter warmer ones, that create a softer feeling? They are the ones that have a yellow light as opposed to the ones that have a whiter light and feel colder. If you spend time in your office, then buy a desk lamp or a light box therapy lamp, that is specifically designed to mimic sunlight. This info won’t help you today, I know, but it can bring a glimmer of hope to spark the blues a notch, doesn’t it?

 

2. Debt

Oh well, this one is a tougher one and it is probably made worse by the fact that you just overspent during the holidays. All the December jingles turn into January stress as debit and credit card statements arrive on our door steps. The fact that the monthly salary only comes in at the end of the month definitely puts more pressure on us and on our daily needs. Especially if there are others depending on it apart from ourselves.

 

Again, the choice of reaction resides within you. Afterall, there’s no surprise and not much you can do about it now, as all that money has been spent and is not coming back, regardless of how stressed, anxious or desperate you are.

 

Solution: How about you use that time and energy to think creatively about how can you bring in some money quickly. eBay and other platforms can be the answer. Choose items that you don’t really need and turn them into cash. My son, for example, received a gift branded with Manchester United and he’s an Arsenal fan. I know, right! Talking about mood destroyers! But instead of being annoyed about it, he put it up for sale on eBay. Turns out it was a limited edition and he actually sold it for a nice sum. A much better and more appreciated present, for sure!

 

3. Time since Christmas

It seems to be a big one, because you might find yourself feeling a tad lonelier now that you are back at work and everyone is minding their own business. Also, the lack of funds makes people stay home more, entertain less and go out less. So you might find yourself spending more time on your own than you’d like to. The street lights and the merry feelings are gone too, which could also be a factor that lowers your mood.

 

Solution: How about you use this time to catch up on reading or on those movies you have on your watch list. Or, why not go to a museum where you are surrounded by people and that buzz might help you increase your mood. Better yet, why not take nice baths using essential oils to brighten your mood and energise you. Choose peppermint, ylang ylang, frankincense, or whatever you prefer. A nice cup of energising tea might add to the overall well-being. I also like to watch a movie whilst I soak, give it a go, make the most of your time in.

 

4. The Resolution List

Oh, and if missing all of the giddily and merry feelings of Christmas past wasn’t making us blue enough, the New Year comes along to add onto the pressure with resolutions that, in most cases, are way too overoptimistic for us to stick with them. So, when we fail to keep them up, we are flooded with feelings of failure, letting ourselves down, frustration, you name it. All the negative emotions are rushing in pilling up on the existing ones.

 

But it doesn’t have to be that gloomy! The truth is that there’s much pressure on setting new year resolutions meant to completely change our lives.

 

That’s a trap easy to fall into because of the mindset we’re in that time of the year, when things happen at a different speed, the focus is on mostly on positive things, we are away from the daily routine that keeps us busy and so on and so forth, so naturally, we tend to bite more than we can chew.

 

Solution: Once again, stop beating yourself up and pick one thing that you can have an easy win with to shift those negative feelings of failure towards the more positive ones of accomplishment. One day at a time … easy does it …

 

By taking it easy, will help you increase those low motivational levels brought on by the reasons we covered in the paragraphs above.

 

How Is Your Blue Monday Going?

 

There’re way too many things happening at the same time to bring you down. But the choice is yours and you are strong enough to raise yourself above them. Turn the experience into a game with yourself. Make a list of those things that bring you down these days and chose one thing that can help you shift your energy levels.

 

Step-By-Step 

 

• Missed the gym appointments? Walk for 15 minutes longer, take the tube from the next station, for example. And pay attention to your surroundings, notice what catches your attention.
• Indulged? Have a few more fruit and focus on the way they feel in your mouth and identify various flavours.
• Overspent? Sell some of the old stuff, cover some of the debt and treat you to a nice little something.
• Feeling lonely? Call a friend, go to a cinema, great movies out this time of the year. There’s always an option to bring a smile, make you feel better and bring some brightness to your Blue Monday.

TOP TIP: eating some ingredients can help us with boosting the mood. Try a few from our emotional balance foods list!

 

SparkYourBloom Today and Everyday!