It’s Blue Monday and this year we want to remind you more than ever that if you’re feeling blue – you’re not alone!
5 Ways To Get Through Blue Monday
Blue Monday typically takes place on the third Monday in January and it’s known as the most depressing day of the year (bleak, right?) It’s a time when people can start to feel their emotions dipping or the comedown from the festive season, have long, dark winter nights to contend with and generally a time when people may be struggling financially after Christmas.
From nourishing yourself from the inside out with healthy eating, to just generally being kind to yourself, here are 5 ways to feel brighter and more positive this Monday 18th January, whether you believe in Blue Monday or not.
Get out in nature
When you take a moment to turn off from the everyday stresses of life and step into nature, your mind gets a chance to relax and just “be”. By immersing ourselves in the great outdoors we’re able to feel more calm and grounded. When the stresses of the day get to be too much, being outside can be restorative and it may even help lower anxiety and depression. Incorporate a 30 minute walk into your daily routine now and get ready to reap the benefits.
Be kind to yourself
It’s so important to speak to yourself how you would a friend, so on those days when you’re finding it hard to get out of bed in the morning, instead of blaming yourself – be kind to yourself! Remind yourself it’s ok to feel blue sometimes, including this Monday and any Monday after that. But you have so many good days to look forward to and if you’re doing your best right now. That is enough.
Eat healthily
The food we eat not only affects us physically, but mentally, too. This is why we should strive to eat as healthily as possible. When it comes to your next food shop, load up on vegetables, fruit and think simple meals with fresh ingredients. Wholesome goodness is exactly what our bodies need -especially during times of stress!
Meditation and exercise
We all know that meditation helps our mental health and that exercising is good for our bodies but did you know that when you put the two their effects can be even more impactful? So, next time you’re feeling those winter blues, load up a guided meditation video, follow a workout routine and you’re likely to shake off some of that blueness stat.
 
Invest in a SAD lamp
If you feel like you particularly struggle during the winter months and the darkest times of the year, investing in a SAD lamp can really help your mood. Symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) include feeling low and lethargic, needing more sleep than usual and finding it hard to get out of bed. The effects of using a SAD lamp first thing in the morning can be immediate and may boost low mood after only 20 minutes of use!
