Blue Monday, supposedly the most depressing day of the year.
In recent years there has been a backlash to the idea of Blue Monday, and whilst there is little science (if any) to support the idea of the third Monday in January being more depressing than others, maybe there is something to be said for the time of the year in general.
January follows a month full of festivities, parties, catching up with friends and family, and in many cases time off. Whilst December is full of anticipation and build up, January is full of news years resolutions,
detoxing, aims to stop drinking, eating meat and often tightening the purse strings! In general January can be pretty rubbish! And it’s no wonder really, is it?! We put so much pressure on ourselves to achieve
even more, to be ‘better’ or to learn something new, when we are achieving every day anyway!
Not to mention setting resolutions and goals for change when it’s a long month, with dark night and often really rubbish weather. Great for cuddling up with the family in front of a film or playing a board game,
rubbish for a 5am start to get to the gym!
So what should we be doing?
Firstly, you are doing great just as you are! Secondly, forget Blue Monday! Mental health isn’t just a focus for the third Monday in January… it should be a focus all year round. When we look after our mental well-being, we can do more, achieve more, and enjoy more. So let’s scrap Blue Monday and think mental health January or even mental health 2020!
If you feel your mood dropping with this dull weather or you’re having a rough day what don’t you do one of the following…
Read a new book or listen to an inspirational podcast
There are so many books and podcasts out there, whether you looking for some motivation and inspiration, or about of an escape from reality. Podcasts are also a great way to switch off at lunch time or during the commute, but give you the opportunity to learn something new in bite size chunks. For a mix of subjects why not look at Ted Talk dailies!
Visit somewhere new
Whether it’s a new coffee shop or a lovely park, make a point or trying somewhere new, rather than sticking with the tried and tested. You could find a favourite cake, or perfect playground!
Pick a class
Whether it’s online, or a dance or art class, get the grey matter working and learn something new. Maybe you’ve always wanted to be able to draw, or salsa or knit, maybe you have a holiday coming up and you could learn a new language. Learning new skills gives us a sense of accomplishment and with so many ways of learning, we can do it our own pace.
If you’re looking to make changes in 2020, contact me to find out how RTT can lead to long lasting healthy change!