5 Simple Ways to Beat "Blue Monday"

"Blue Monday" refers to the weird third Monday in January—described as the most depressing day of the year—when people appear the lowest in mood. Apparently, this is due to a combination of post-Christmas blues, cold dark nights, and the arrival of unpaid credit card bills. Alas, this year’s date is Monday 20 January 2020.

Is it real?

There is no real evidence to support this theory. The concept was first publicized as part of a 2005 press release from a holiday company that claimed to have calculated the date using an equation. However, the idea is considered pseudoscience, with its formula derided by scientists as nonsensical.

Now, having said that…

Are my clients generally underwhelmed after the Christmas and New Year holidays? Maybe.

Are they broke and just about hanging on for the next paycheck? Certainly.

Have they defaulted on that rather unrealistic New Year’s resolution? Perhaps.

Do they get stressed and overwhelmed by the return to a job they promised themselves that they'd resign from? Sure.

Whilst it might be tempting to indulge in a national collective "woe-is-me" day, it’s probably more helpful to focus on how to make your life better this year.

There might not be much evidence to support "Blue Monday," but we could probably agree that some people might feel particularly low in mood this week, so let’s be compassionate and offer support to them as we would any other day of the week.

So, if you happen to experience the blues on Monday the 20th of January (or frankly, any other day of the week, for that matter), I invite you to try any or all of my top things to do when I need to beat the blue out of any bluey day! My clients love these, too.

Try any or all of my top things to do when I need to beat the blue out of any bluey day.

Source: Photo by Artem Beliaikin on Unsplash

5 Simple Ways To Beat Your Monday Blues

1. Go to bed early on Sunday night. Your body will thank you for it. It's important to prepare for sleep using a helpful bed-time routine such as having a warm bath and limiting blue lights which often radiate from mobile phones and tablets. If you really have trouble sleeping, I'd recommend you see your physician for some advice. However, to learn more helpful tips about sleep, my favourite specialist is Dr. Michael J. Breus—aka The Sleep Doctor.
2. Plan your Monday schedule, as it’ll help you to feel more in control. Remember to incorporate time in your day for a proper lunch—even better if it’s with a colleague you get on with. If you find yourself feeling stressed, take a quick 5-minute break to practice being mindful. Focus on your breathing and allow thoughts to float in and out.
3. Meet a friend and have a good laugh! If you’re lucky to have some money left after Christmas, go for a Monday night supper with a friend—better yet, one you haven’t caught up with since Christmas, and have a really good laugh about all the silly stuff that happened over the holidays.
4. Burn some energy. Hit that gym class, running track, pool, or walk until you feel just a little bit better. The endorphins our body produces are our natural anti-depressants and will help boost your moods.
5. Don’t pressure yourself. If you don’t fancy doing any of these, then don’t do it! Do something instead that you’d actually enjoy. There’s always Tuesday. It might be a much better day anyway!