5 Tips to Get you Through Blue Monday
Within this blog, we’ll take a closer look at the original Blue Monday concept. Then lastly, we’ll highlight 5 tips to help cope with the doldrums that Blue Monday may cause.
Academics have labelled the Blue Monday notion “pseudoscience” in recent years.
Whether it’s superstitious nonsense or not, there’s no doubting that many people are tired and depressed in the first month of the year.
What is Blue Monday?
Blue Monday is commonly regarded as the year’s most depressing day. This might be due to a combination of bad weather, long nights, and the lingering aftermath of the festive glut.
Dr. Cliff Arnall came up with the concept of Blue Monday in 2005, and it was released as part of a Sky Travel news release.
Due to the overall awful weather, long evenings, post- Christmas debt, and unfulfilled New Year’s resolutions, the life coach and psychologist devised a formula to identify the ‘saddest’ day of the year.
Despite being devised as a marketing strategy to entice people to book vacations, the word has already entered general use.
When is Blue Monday 2022?
The third Monday in January is Blue Monday, the supposed gloomiest day of the year. Next Blue Monday falls on the 17th January 2022.
Why is Blue Monday the saddest day of the year?
According to Sky Travel’s press release, Blue Monday was determined by “considering a variety of parameters”. This included average temperature, days since the last payday, days until the next bank holiday, average daylight hours, and the number of nights in during the month.
It doesn’t take much thought to figure out what the underlying goal of Sky Travel’s press release was: to sell more vacations.
Regardless of whether it’s all nonsense or not, Blue Monday raises awareness about mental and physical wellbeing and gets people talking about depression, even if only briefly.
That can only be a good thing at a time when reaching out is more crucial than ever.
How can companies support their employees on Blue Monday?
Focusing on employee wellbeing as an employer will be critical, especially coming up to Blue Monday.
Not only will ensuring your employees’ health and wellbeing benefit them, but it will also benefit your company in terms of reducing absenteeism, maintaining employee engagement, and retaining people.
A company’s culture and how it works may have a substantial good or bad influence on an employee’s health and wellbeing. Consider the difference between an organisation that communicates freely and regularly, involves, and engages its people against one that has closed, inconsistent communications and has bad employee relations.
These are all aspects that lead to productive and satisfied employees. While the workplace cannot prevent all incidences of mental illness, it may help to foster an atmosphere that fosters and promotes excellent mental wellbeing.
Companies could invest in wellbeing workshops that can provide an atmosphere that promotes employee growth, empowerment, and benefits.
5 tips to get you through Blue Monday
Go workout
Exercise can benefit us in a variety of ways, whether we go for a walk or join a local gym. You will feel much better in terms of your mental health in addition to having a healthier body.
One thing to keep in mind is that you don’t have to attend a class to get more exercise. This Blue Monday, don’t overwork yourself. Set attainable workout objectives that you can achieve.
Take some time out for yourself
Don’t underestimate the value of looking within and spending some time for yourself this Blue Monday.
Taking time for yourself may help you relax and unwind. Whether you want to try meditation, relax in the bath, or get a massage. Even if money is tight until January’s payday, spending time for yourself is far from selfish and will help you be the greatest version of yourself.
Planning something new might be energising for some people. There’s no harm in making plans for the future, making action plans, and making sure the year ahead has enough ‘you time.’
Loving Life occasionally delivers free and motivational webinars, for our next one, click here.
Identify your concerns and seek help
While it isn’t always a simple process, we must be able to identify what is bothering us and work toward a solution. One way to accomplish this is to write down the problem and a possible solution or to seek expert assistance.
There are a variety of organisations that may help, such as charities like the Samaritans. It goes without saying that if you believe you or someone else is in danger, you should contact your doctor (if you have a known illness), 111, or 999 in an emergency.
Eat healthily
The food we consume has an impact not only on our physical health but also on our mental health.
Studies have revealed that eating processed or unhealthy foods has a negative impact on our moods.
This is why we should attempt to eat as healthily as possible. Try to consume plenty of fruits and vegetables, and try to prepare our meals ourselves. Simple meals made with fresh ingredients are frequently just what our bodies want, especially during stressful times.
Read a book
Only an excellent book can transfer you to another world and make you feel better as a result. Re-read a favourite book or borrow something from the library.
You may form a Blue Monday Book Club with your pals and decide to read and discuss a book together. However, if you don’t enjoy reading, there are a variety of audio novels available.
Check out YouTube book reviews with TY & FFLY here!
Although television is frequently the most convenient alternative for many, it is very stimulating and may not always be the ideal option for relaxing.