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What is Blue Monday?
A day many see as a gloomy one, but we’re here to change that.
Blue Monday is a name given to a Monday in January, one that according to an equation by travel company ‘Sky Travel’ is ‘bluer’ than most Mondays.
The equation takes into account factors including the poor weather conditions, debt level, new year's resolutions being broken, post-Christmas blues and low motivation levels.
Although debated whether the equation has any truth, it is seemingly true that this day is often one that leaves people feeling blue, as many people have waited a long time to get paid since December and also are still trying to kick start their year after Christmas and New Year’s celebrations.
When is Blue Monday?
Blue Monday is always the third Monday of January, this month it falls on the 16th.
Within a month that many are doing Dry January as well as attempting their New Year’s resolutions, many people see the whole of January as quite a sad month.
It’s important to look after your mental health in a month such as this, and we’ve come up with a list of ways to boost your mood, reduce stress and generally make sure your Blue Monday is more yellow.
How to beat Blue Monday
If there’s something holding you back from being your spritely self this Blue Monday, there’s a few things you can do to lift your mood.
Embrace the blue, move forward
It’s important to know that many people are in the same boat as you and also that it will pass. It’s been a long few years with Covid and general living cost difficulties so you don’t have to feel guilty or ashamed about feeling a certain way. Let it happen, do what you can and keep on moving forward at your own pace.
Whether it’s money difficulties or mental health issues holding you back on Blue Monday, formulate a realistic plan on how you can improve the situation. It can be little things as these are the ones that add up to create something large. Whether it’s creating a new 2023 budget plan, reaching out to an old friend or promising yourself you’ll exercise once a week, there’s many things you can do to ensure you move in the right direction!
Plan something fun
Having something to look forward to is a sure fire way of lifting your mood. Get something in the diary for the day that you don’t usually do, whether in the evening after work or before. It can even be on another day throughout the week just so on Monday, if you’re feeling a little blue, you know there’s something exciting happening in the week at some point.
Here’s a few suggestions of things to do this Blue Monday and the week of:
- A cute little coffee/brunch date with some friends. Eat that piece of cake, you’ve earned it! Head to a local, independent coffee shop so you know you’re helping someone’s business out, too.
- Group or social exercise. We all know the benefits of exercise on mental health, so try and find a new class to go to on Monday or in the week, it’s a great way of making new friends and keeping them endorphins flowing! You could maybe even try that new sport you’ve been thinking about.
- Find some nature. Just like exercise, fresh air and seeing nature is linked to improved mental health, so find some time for a nice walk on Blue Monday. Find some solitude within the trees and embrace your surroundings, it really does work! Bonus points if you go and explore somewhere new.
- Cook your favourite meal. Enjoy your food on Blue Monday, make it a social thing with your mates for a foodie (and alcohol-free drinks!) night and make sure the evening is full of great tasting dishes and laughs. Chuck on your favourite show if you’re alone and think about all the wonderful dishes you’re going to eat in 2023!
If you’re still stuck for inspiration, here’s an article explaining some unique hobbies to try in 2023. See if any take your fancy!
Spread the love
If there’s one day of the year that needs some positivity and good vibes spreading, it’s Blue Monday.
Call up an old friend, tell your family you love them and practice gratitude for all the wonderful people you have in your life. We promise this will do the world of good, not just for them, but for you too. It’s well known that you get what you give out in life, so spread the love whenever you can.
Maybe sign up for a fulfilling activity such as volunteering at your local pet shelter or your local garden centre once a week, as again helping people out will be certain to put a smile on your face in a month that you may need it.
Whatever you do, take care of yourself and make sure that you look after your mental health in the best way possible.
Date?
If you’re looking for something REALLY exciting to do this Blue Monday and are possibly looking for love or a fun date, why not sign up for ‘Thursday’, the most exciting dating app out there.
We’ve recently partnered with them to give away a drinks bundle to make your January dates a little more exciting.
Head to their Instagram to find out more and to enter the giveaway!
Head to our Zerology Zone for more tips and alcohol-free insights.
