How to beat Blue Monday

Turn that frown upside down with these five tips on how to beat Blue Monday

You may think today is just another regular day, but it’s the title holder of Blue Monday: officially the most depressing day of the year. The gloomy title culminates as a result of post-Christmas blues, cold dark nights, failing New Year’s resolutions and the arrival of unpaid credit card bills. And it always falls on the third Monday of January. But it’s not all doom and gloom. Blue Monday can be beaten, and we know how.

Exercise

Even if you’re feeling down and blue, forcing yourself to get out and exercise is one of the best things you can do to beat Blue Monday. Exercise releases those much-needed endorphins and will leave you feeling calmer, happier, and pretty darn pleased with yourself. Whether it’s your favourite gym class, swimming with friends or running with your best playlist, pick something you know you enjoy rather than something new and get out there! We PROMISE you won’t regret it.

Be kind to someone

While for you Blue Monday might just be another day in the month, for many, feeling depressed and anxious is an everyday reality. Smile at a stranger, pay a co-worker a compliment or buy a friend a surprise gift – not only will you brighten their day, the act of giving and being kind will surely brighten yours, too. Plus: good karma!

Make the most of the light
For most people, the biggest factor of Blue Monday is the lack of light in the daytime hours as they go to and from work in darkness. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is, in fact, a proven condition that many suffer from and it could be one of the reasons you’re feeling down. So make the most of the light by getting out in your lunch hour and going for a walk or a run. Light helps stabilise serotonin and boosts endorphins – so there’s no reason not to.

Pamper yourself
Giving yourself some much-needed TLC might be your fastest ticket to feeling happier and more relaxed this Blue Monday. Of course you could splash out and book yourself in for a full-body massage, but you could also set up your own DIY spa at home. Run a hot bath with bubbles and infused salts, light some scented candles and spritz some room spray into the air and onto your towel. Give yourself a full-body scrub with your favourite exfoliator and treat your skin to a face mask. Afterwards, wrap up warm in a cosy dressing gown and slippers, and give yourself an at-home mani and pedi. You’ll be feeling better in no time.
Share your thoughts
If you are feeling down this Blue Monday, there’s nothing worse than bottling it up. Talking to people – whether it’s friends, family or someone neutral – will help you offload and confront the reasons you’re feeling low. After all, a problem shared is indeed a problem halved. If you’re still struggling, and think your feelings go deeper than post-Christmas blues, visit mental health charity mind.org.uk for online help and support.