How to combat Blue Monday

Did you know today is Blue Monday?  

Reports suggest that the 3rd Monday of January is the most depressing day of the year because of: 

While Blue Monday started as a marketing campaign by Sky Travel to encourage us to book a holiday to counteract the January Blues, it has since become a great excuse to discuss our mental health. So how can you counteract the January Blues?  

To combat the effects of Blue Monday, transform the day instead into Brew Monday, a term coined by The Samaritans. Brew Monday encourages us to sit down for a cuppa and have a chat with those around us, family, friends or work colleagues, to check in and see how they’re doing. Brew Monday is a great activity idea for your care service, allowing those you support to make friends or open up about how they’re feeling. Find out more about Brew Monday, here.  

While exercise is proven to lift our moods, an exercise session doesn’t always have to mean a session in the gym. Sometimes a good walk will blow the cobwebs away and get the serotonin flowing. And these days, there are many different types of unique exercise such as laughing yoga or goga (goat yoga) and many exercise sessions can be modified to be chair-based. There is something out there for everyone!   

Don’t be hard on yourself if you’ve slipped on your New Year’s Resolutions. We are all human after all. One slip up doesn’t mean we have to give up! Remember it takes seven tries to secure a habit.  

Starting your day by saying positive statements in the mirror can be hugely beneficial. Reports show that by doing this, you can challenge and overcome negative thoughts and self-doubt while at the same time encouraging confidence and self-belief.    

Improving your home space can have a massive impact on your mood. So tidy that drawer that needs sorting, go through your clothes and donate unworn items to charity, buy a houseplant, put up your favourite picture on the wall or change your bedding!  

Cook your favourite meal or order your favourite takeaway, watch your favourite programme or film. Treat yourself and make yourself smile, you deserve it! Tell your loved ones what they mean to you, treat them to something they love or do something to make their day better. Even something small will go a long way to improving their day and their happiness will rub off on you!