Supposedly the day when our moods are at their lowest, the third Monday in January is when people have lower motivation due to the dark, cold weather and come down from the Christmas festivities.
This year, it feels a little but more wrought with stress and worry than ever and following 3 UK lockdowns in 11 months, mental health and looking after yourself is more pertinent than ever.
So whilst there is no clear scientific evidence to back up the ‘Blue Monday’ claims, we know that a lot of you might be finding yourself a little lower in mood at the moment.
If you are, why not try out some of these simple techniques to keep your mood lightened and bring a smile to each day.
Eat well
Unfortunately, this doesn’t mean over-indulge and eat a box of biscuits, but it does mean up your intake of mood-boosting foods such as avocados, nuts, dark chocolate and vitamin-packed veg.
Eating well also makes your mind feel clearer and gives you more energy and, the more you eat well, the more it becomes a habit and the easier it becomes.
Wear bright clothing
Find the brightest thing in your wardrobe and put it on. It might seem small, but it has been shown that wearing brighter clothes can improve your mood and make you smile more.
Plan something
We know at the moment it is hard to plan your next trip away anywhere or anything major, but why not get planning on things you can do.
Plan your weekend walks, or perhaps do afternoon tea at home with your partner, or plan a ‘cinema’ night with your kids. You could let the kids pick the film, spend time making the tickets and have some low-fat popcorn as snacks!
Get out and about
Absorbing as much sun as possible in the winter months can be a little trickier, but not impossible.
Making the most of your free time and getting outside in the fresh air can be a fantastic way to keep your good mood sustained.
Try going for a walk on your lunch break today and seeing if you’re more focussed and motivated in the afternoon.
Get an SAD lamp
If you’re struggling to see the daylight hours and find yourself feeling lower in the darker months, it could be that you suffer from SAD.
Investing in a light therapy lamp can boost your mood as it can make up for the sunlight you lack in the winter months. For more information on SAD, contact your Doctor or have a look on the NHS website.
Make someone else feel good
Pay them a compliment, make your busy colleague (maybe your partner at the moment!) a cuppa, run a bath for your significant other.
It doesn’t have to be big, but do something that will make someone else feel good and see how wonderful you feel just for cheering them up.
Reach out
If you’re really struggling, don’t suffer in silence. Reach out to someone and talk about your concerns. You may be surprised the difference it makes just to air your worries and stop internalising them.
At this tough time in lockdown, there are numerous organisations you can reach out to and we’ve listed a few below:
- Mind Charity: 0300 123 3393
- Samaritans: 116 123
- Anxiety UK: 03444 775 774
- CALM: 0800 58 58 58
If you’re feeling lower than usual and it is affecting your daily life, please ensure you seek help.
If your low mood or anxiety and stress are affecting your health and weight loss, please speak to your doctor at your next appointment, who can help you with ways of making adjustments in your life to feel better.