Five ways to beat the January Blue Monday blues

With Christmas memories fading away, the return to work after a festive month of socialising and the rubbish weather outside you will be forgiven to being just a little glum this January.

Don’t worry though as soon as next Monday is out of the way you can start to cheer up again, this is because Monday 20th is being dubbed Blue Monday!

What is Blue Monday?

Blue Monday started out as a PR stunt by Sky Travel but has now been adopted as the name given to the day in January claimed to be the most depressing day of the entire year.

This day was worked out by psychologist Cliff Arnall, who came up with an equation based on: the weather, debt level (specifically, the difference between debt and our ability to pay), the amount of time since Christmas, time since failing our New Year’s resolutions, low motivational levels and the feeling of a need to take charge of the situation.

When is it?

Blue Monday for 2020 is January 20th.

The date is generally the third Monday in January, but can also be on the second or fourth Monday, or even the Monday of the last week of January.

The first one was January 24th in 2005.

How do I cheer myself up this January?

We are glad you asked, because we’ve got just the thing. Well, five things, to buck you up on the bluest of days.

1. Listen to happy music

Put a smile on your face with a playlist of happy songs! Spotify have put together a playlist of happy songs to help keep you smiling.

2. Stay off Social media

If you’re feeling down the last thing you want to see is one of your friends list acting all smug, take the day off from all things Facebook and Twitter, Instagram too!

3. Spend time with people

If you listened to step 2 and you have ditched the social media maybe it is time to spend some time with friends in person. Numerous studies have linked good mental health with having good relationships and socialising regularly.

Invite friends over for a coffee, join a club, or become a volunteer at a local charity.

4. Binge watch comedy classics

Laughter is the best medicine after all, or so we are told. Many studies back up this theory showing it benefits mental health, sleep and quality of life in general so give it a go.

If you are going to stay in and binge of laughter why not call a friend and invite them to join you, or maybe a group of friends. IMDb have put together a list of The Most Hilarious Comedy Movies that will keep you laughing the whole night.

5. Take time out

If you are feeling down maybe clearing your mind will help?

The popular mindfulness app Headspace.com have many 10 minute guided meditations to help you switch off. Studies have shown meditation has health and well being benefits, including better sleep, improved relationships, sharper focus and less stress.

Whatever you do to cheer yourself up just remember you are not alone. Life is hard, and lots of people are going through the same feelings and hardships.

Take care of yourself, and reach out to people.