Blue Monday: How to Prepare for the Saddest Day of the Year
Christmas is right around the corner. A time of fun and festivities, delights, and decadence. A time when we can enjoy our friends and family and live it up a little.
And then January rolls around, and many of us find ourselves feeling a bit blue. And this is why “Blue Monday” has been established.
Recognized on the third Monday in January, Blue Monday is considered by many to be the saddest day of the year. For some of us, the cold and bleak landscape outside punctuates how we feel as we stare at our credit card bills, wondering if all those fancy gifts were such a good idea. To add insult to injury, we’ve already started breaking our New Year’s resolutions and we’ve got to get back to work after office parties and time off.
If you tend to be someone who feels a bit sad during the weeks following the holidays, there are some things you can do to lift your mood.
Plan a Vacation
Studies have conclusively shown that having something to look forward to can lift our spirits. If you can’t afford to take an extravagant vacation, plan a weekend away with your partner or friend. Or even just by yourself! You can even make this a yearly event where every Blue Monday, you get the maps out and plan your next adventure.
Host a Blue Monday Party
Who says the festivities must end after New Year’s Eve? Why not get a group of loved ones together who are all feeling a bit blue and make some fun of your own? Make it blue-themed where everyone must dress all in blue, have blue food and blue cocktails.
Take Up a New Hobby
Studies have shown that people who take up hobbies typically have less stress and a better mood. Learning a new skill gives us joy. So think about taking a cooking class or learning to play the piano or something else that grabs your imagination.
Speak to Someone
While many people will eventually come out of this blue period, some will not. Some individuals may be struggling with seasonal affective disorder or depression that has been brought on by something else. If you feel you are dealing with something more than just the post-holiday blues, please speak with someone.
If you’d like to explore treatment options, I encourage you to reach out to me. I’m more than happy to discuss how I may be able to help.
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