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Dealing with Blue Monday - January 16th 2023

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Introduction

For many people, January is the most depressing month of the year. The holiday season is over, there's snow on the ground and cold weather ahead—and it takes some time for your body to adjust. But blue Monday doesn't have to be that way! Here are a few tips for how to feel happier throughout this month and beyond:

Blue Monday is supposedly the most depressing day of the year.

Blue Monday is supposedly the most depressing day of the year. It's said to be the third Monday in January, which falls this year on January 20th. The name comes from a marketing campaign by Sky Travel, who wanted to boost sales during what they perceived as a lull in business travel during winter.

In 2010, Dr Cliff Arnall discovered that people feel most down on Blue Monday and has since published an annual report analysing whether it's true or not (it isn't). He says that we're more likely to feel down at this time because of "seasonal affective disorder" - which means we're less exposed to sunlight than usual due to shorter days and darker weather - as well as increased pressure from work due to year end deadlines and gift buying deadlines (both on December 31st).

The weather does have an effect on mood.

The temperature of the weather can affect your mood. It’s not just because you’re cold or hot, but also how it makes you feel. For example, when it’s a very warm day and the sun is shining brightly, many people will feel happy and relaxed. But if it’s a cold and rainy day with dark clouds overhead, then most people will be grumpy and irritable because they are unhappy about the bad weather conditions.

The weather can also trigger certain emotions like depression or anxiety in some people who are susceptible to those illnesses.  People who get depressed or anxious often have symptoms such as feeling sad, having low energy levels (feeling tired), having trouble sleeping well at night due to worry thoughts going around in their head all night long without stopping them from sleeping peacefully at night which leads them waking up early with little energy left over. After getting up early so they feel exhausted throughout their day working hard trying really hard not letting anyone else notice how much stress they are feeling, although sometimes, even people close friends family members don't realise how much pain these poor souls suffer inside.

Man walking with dog in the winterThere are lots of things you can do to try to make yourself feel better on Blue Monday or any other day of the year.

  • Take time to relax and do things you enjoy, like reading a book or playing video games.

  • Try getting outside and going for a walk. It's nice to get some fresh air and sunshine, which will help you feel better!

  • Talk with someone who makes you feel comfortable, such as a friend or family member. Having someone listen can help take your mind off of whatever's bothering you.

  • Take a break from social media—it might not seem like it helps, but when we spend too much time online or looking at our phones we often find ourselves feeling worse than before (and sometimes even more stressed out). If possible, just turn off your phone so it doesn't distract from what matters most: spending time with loved ones and doing what makes YOU happy!

Doing something kind for someone else is rewarding and doesn't cost much.

We all have our day-to-day struggles, and most of us are too preoccupied with our own problems to be able to help others. But the truth is that doing something kind for someone else is rewarding and doesn't cost much. The simplest way to make someone's day better is by smiling at them, or just listening when they need a friend.

Exercise releases endorphins, which help fight depression, even if it's just a walk outside.

Studies have shown that exercise releases endorphins, which help fight depression.

If you need a little motivation to get moving, try setting small goals for yourself. You could commit to going for a walk or doing one set of squats each day until your mood improves.

If you’re short on time and equipment, don’t worry—there are plenty of exercises you can do in your home using only your body weight and gravity.

Seeing friends and family can boost your mood, even if you don't think you're up for it right now.

If you're feeling blue, don't try to soldier on alone. You may be surprised by what a difference it can make to see someone you trust, or even just put yourself in their presence.

  • Have a chat with someone you trust—whether it's your partner, your mum or dad (if they live nearby), or another family member or friend that lives in town.

  • Go visit friends and family who live nearby, even if they’re out of town and it takes some effort to get there. If possible, call ahead so they’re expecting you and can make time for you when you arrive; otherwise just pop by unexpectedly!

  • If the weather is nice outside, ask someone from home who has been visiting lately if they would like to take a walk together — or go somewhere else in town if they prefer that instead (maybe even just sitting outside).

  • Even though it might seem like too much effort right now, reaching out could really help lift your spirits!

Things can always seem worse than they really are with some effort and help from those around you

  • You can't control the weather, but you can control your attitude.

  • Focus on what you can change, not what you can't.

  • It's important to take care of yourself and seek help if you need it.

  • If you're feeling down, try doing something that makes you happy!

Conclusion

In conclusion, Blue Monday can be a tough one. But there are lots of things you can do to try to make yourself feel better on this day or any other day of the year. If you're feeling down, try doing something kind for someone else or going out with your friends and family. Don't forget that it's okay not be happy all the time—and sometimes we need help from those around us!

If you're looking for a way to boost your team at work on Blue Monday, then why not book a day of On-Site Chair Massage? It's really great value and the mood-boosting effects are instant. Get a free instant quote for your office. 

Don't just take our word for it, see what our customers say...

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Sense Massage Therapy, established in January 2000, is a leading provider of on-site chair massage services for workplaces across the UK and Ireland. We have partnered with hundreds of companies, catering to their corporate wellness needs.

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