11-Jan-22 | News

10 tips and tricks to help you defeat Blue Monday.

The third Monday of January is known as Blue Monday. It’s typically known as the most depressing day of the year, as many people feeling gloomy or dispirited around this time due to the cold weather, post-Christmas sadness and the stress of having to manage a new year’s resolution. We hope our tips help, and feel free to use them whenever you need cheering up, not only on Blue Monday.

  1. Don’t be so harsh on yourself – Setting goals and targets can be a great way to motivate yourself, however you should remember to always be kind to yourself and don’t set your expectations too high. If you need a break, don’t beat yourself up over it, you’re human – and sometimes we get tired.
  2. Open up – If you find yourself feeling unhappy or stressed, open up to a close friend, family member, or anyone you trust. If something’s wrong, it’s always better to talk about it instead of bottling it up.
  3. Do something selfless – We often feel good about ourselves when we do something for someone else. For example, give someone a compliment, donate to a charity, help someone carry their shopping. During the Covid-19 pandemic especially, it’s extremely important to contribute to our communities and help each other.
  4. Say ‘Thank you’ – Its easy to forget about the good things in our lives and just focus on the bad, so make a short list of all the things you are thankful for. This can help you to have a more optimistic view and puts things into perspective.
  5. Go outside – Yes, it’s cold, but getting some fresh air and natural light will trigger your mood-boosting hormones and will get you feeling better in no time!
  6. Socialise – Spend time with your friends and make plans to do something you enjoy.
  7. Smile – Fake it ‘til you make it. A simple smile can release loads of happy hormones that help to reduce stress, reduce blood pressure, and strengthen your immune system. Smiling can also convince your brain that you’re happy – where the body goes, the mind follows.
  8. Put yourself first – If you need a break, don’t feel bad for taking some time to focus on yourself and your needs. Your mental and physical health will always be the most important. A new year doesn’t mean all your problems will have been left in 2021. If you need support, don’t suffer in silence.
  9. Meditate – Take some time out of your busy schedule to breathe. Meditation is an excellent way to reduce stress, control anxiety, promotes emotional health and can make you feel calmer, overall. Just like the body needs exercise, the mind does too.
  10. Focus – The things we want to do, and the things we need to do are very different. However, it’s important not to miss anything out, so focus and try to get things done. This will make you feel productive and leave you with a sense of achievement.