8 Ways To Beat Blue Monday – The Most Depressing Day Of The Year
“Blue Monday,” the day theorized as the most depressing day of the year.
It is generally celebrated the 3rd Monday in January each year; although this notion is somewhat manufactured, as is Groundhog Day, Valentine’s Day, and Grandparent’s Day,the concept of Blue Monday has some validity.
It has gained some validity due to a combination of several factors:
- Gloomy winter weather
- Shorter days with less sunshine
- Weight gain from the holidays
- Increased credit card debt from Christmas purchases
- Back to school after holiday vacation
- Increased work stress due to extended holiday breaks
There is also the highest incident of relationship break-ups that occur over the holidays. People are still coming to terms with loss, and Valentine’s Day looming ahead.
This pivotal part of the year can be overwhelming to many.
The lack of sunlight and gloomy weather alone can result in depression and low motivation levels, also triggering Seasonal affective disorder (SAD). As defined by Mayo Clinic – “Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that’s related to changes in seasons — SAD begins and ends at about the same times every year. If you’re like most people with SAD, your symptoms start in the fall and continue into the winter months; sapping your energy and making you feel moody.”
January is also the leading month for “heart attacks,” according to. In their article entitled “Heart Attacks and Winter: Examining the Seasonal Trend” the “results gathered by the Second National Registry of Myocardial Infarction (heart attacks), winter was the top season for heart attacks” citing that “There were 53% more heart attacks in winter than summer. Winter heart attacks tended to be more serious with a 9% fatality rate. .”
9 Great Ways to Combat and Brace Yourself for Blue Monday
1. Focus on future:
Have something to look forward to; plan a trip 2-3 months out, call an old friend and plan to reconnect etc.
2. Remember the below equation:
A Bad Day and/or Bad Week Does Not = A Bad Life. This season too shall pass so focus on the positive.
3. Take Vitamin D3 and a full vitamin regime to stay healthy.If you can enjoy a little sunshine to increase your vitamin D intake it will help combat those winter blues
4. Get involved with as many things as you can; embrace your community, volunteer, join a non-profit organization.
5. Be aware of too much alcohol consumption (remember. alcohol is a depressant)
6. Exercise and avoid the tendency in winter months of consuming more carbohydrates and sugar.
7. Daily Affirmations to feed your self esteem
8. Meditation for relaxation and self-awareness
If you need help overcoming those winter blues, please contact Deni Abbie now.
Author: Deni Abbie
Deni Abbie specializes in Relationship Coaching, Dating Coach, Sports Improvement, Overcoming Anxiety, Hypnotherapy (breaking habits), Emotional Empowerment, Gaining Self Confidence and Self Esteem, Women in Transition, Overcoming Loss, Healing Children, and ultimately, getting you to that better life. Learn more at the Loving Life Website, or call her at (682) 514-9303.
