The Monday blues takes on a whole new meaning today, as this year January 16 has been titled Blue Monday.
An analysis of current weather conditions, debt levels, weight gain, low motivation levels and the length of time it’s been since Christmas all contribute to the equation created back in 2005 that state this day to be the most depressing day of the year! Of course, there is no scientific basis for this, as any credible expert will tell you, but that hasn’t stopped the masses from taking this idea mainstream.
Christmas is a far-gone memory and the aftermath is setting in. Those bank and credit card statements are coming in thick and fast from the explosion of spending so it is understandable how this period is naturally not a happy time. Looking on the brighter side of things, we have taken to the online world to find ways to help you overcome this wretched day!
Green Exercise
Start this Monday by taking in some crisp, fresh morning air with a gentle walk outside. Breathe in the positivity as you become one with nature feeling your stress and anxiety lift away with every deep exhale you take. Exercise in the presence of nature has been proven to significantly advance mood and self-esteem, even with as little as five minutes outside.
Spend the day or just part of the day outside as exposure to natural light is dramatically beneficial to your health by increasing levels of Vitamin D in our bodies. Vitamin D helps prevent chronic diseases like cancer and type 1 diabetes along with helping your absorption of calcium and phosphorous which keep your bones and teeth healthy- amazing what a walk in the garden could do!
Get In-touch With Your Spiritual Side
A great way to get a positive boost today is to sit quietly, practice some deep breathing, calm that heart rate and dive deep into your mind. Meditation is quickly becoming a favourite among seniors for improving their mental and emotional health.
Through meditation you can stimulate the pre-frontal cortex region of your brain, responsible for coordinating your thoughts and actions, which will increase feelings of happiness and inject a bit of zest for life in to yourself.
Meditation could be your access to the ‘fountain of youth’ with its abundance of benefits to both your body and mind. It will undoubtedly give you the ‘go-go’ attitude to tackle Blue Monday.
Positive Outlook
Mark Twain once said: “The best way to cheer yourself up is to try cheer somebody else up.” Working together with a loved one or even a stranger to put a smile on each other’s face will brighten up any day so make more of an effort today.
Prove that chivalry isn’t dead by buying some flowers for your partner or by giving a passing compliment to a stranger. You can a long way with a simple smile so make this Monday a chivalrous Monday!
Treat Yourself this Blue Monday
Did you know that eating chocolate increases our bodies serotonin levels? Did you also know that serotonin is a mood lifter?
So instead of sitting bundled in the corner pondering how that credit card bill is so high or that it is 347 days till Christmas already; why don’t you sit on your favourite chair and indulge in that box of chocolates you got for Christmas and watch as that smile drifts across your face! Blue Monday… what Blue Monday?
No matter how blue your Monday is today, remember to tackle it with a smile and positive outlook and have yourself a brighter Blue Monday!
