Welcome to Blue Monday. I say this ironically, of course, because it is the day when the post-Christmas gloom hits us with full force.
We're cutting back on booze, ramping up our exercise and facing our failings head-on. Again.
Yes, Blue Monday (16th January this year) is THE most depressing day of the year.
So how to survive it? You can find my own tips here but here are some extra ideas to put the colour back into your cheeks.
TIP 1: Change your perspective
Clayton John Ainger, award winning author of The Ego's Code (Panorama Press £15.99) says that negativity is in fact, a very natural and normal process.
TIP 2: Book a winter sun break
The summer months are the most popular time for sun holidays, but there are plenty of opportunities to escape to warmer, sunnier weather during the winter months. Booking a sunny break can increase your levels of serotonin which can make you feel more calm and focused as well as making you feel more productive when you return to normal life.
TIP 3: Book a staycation
If your bank balance doesn’t allow for an extravagant holiday abroad, why not book a long weekend away instead? A change of scene will do all the family good and just a couple of days away can leave you all refreshed for a reasonable cost.
TIP 4: Go back to bed
It is ok to admit you are having a blue day, so don’t bother trying to fight it! Once you’ve finished work for the day, transform your bedroom into a tranquil sanctuary where you can take the time and rest you need.
Stephen Volkins from Big Brand Beds has this sound advice.
TIP 5: Identify your negative thinking triggers
What sends your thinking into a spiral of negativity? Does seeing your friends going on great nights out on Facebook make you feel inadequate? Or perhaps you have some people in your life who are negative and that brings you down. It could even be the news on the TV before bedtime that send you to bed feeling unsettled or bad. Take some time to identify your triggers and then you will be able to avoid them.
TIP 6: Put the kettle on
Tea has a range of psychological and physical health benefits that can improve your wellbeing. The humble cuppa has been used for centuries across the world to help with relaxation, improve spirituality, nourishment and healing and there are many speciality teas which contain health promoting ingredients.
TIP 7: Challenge the rut
Carla Watson and Shelley La Mancusa, authors of Getting Out of a Rut (released 24th January ) suggest that the only way to combat self-improvement is to concentrate on who and what you surround yourself with. They say:
We're cutting back on booze, ramping up our exercise and facing our failings head-on. Again.
Yes, Blue Monday (16th January this year) is THE most depressing day of the year.
So how to survive it? You can find my own tips here but here are some extra ideas to put the colour back into your cheeks.
TIP 1: Change your perspective
Clayton John Ainger, award winning author of The Ego's Code (Panorama Press £15.99) says that negativity is in fact, a very natural and normal process.
“By labelling negativity as bad, we provide it with more fuel. By changing our perspective on negativity and the meaning behind it will undoubtedly have a positive effect on your life. Feeling down is not meant to hinder you, it is there to learn from, so embrace your negativity and move on”
The summer months are the most popular time for sun holidays, but there are plenty of opportunities to escape to warmer, sunnier weather during the winter months. Booking a sunny break can increase your levels of serotonin which can make you feel more calm and focused as well as making you feel more productive when you return to normal life.
TIP 3: Book a staycation
If your bank balance doesn’t allow for an extravagant holiday abroad, why not book a long weekend away instead? A change of scene will do all the family good and just a couple of days away can leave you all refreshed for a reasonable cost.
TIP 4: Go back to bed
It is ok to admit you are having a blue day, so don’t bother trying to fight it! Once you’ve finished work for the day, transform your bedroom into a tranquil sanctuary where you can take the time and rest you need.
Stephen Volkins from Big Brand Beds has this sound advice.
“Make sure it is dark and a comfortable temperature with a source of light air flow, and remove light sources like TVs and LED clocks. Take a tip from Feng Shui and make your room softly curved and coolly coloured – avoid sharp angles and dominant colour schemes in order to calm the mind and spirit for a really relaxing night’s sleep.”
What sends your thinking into a spiral of negativity? Does seeing your friends going on great nights out on Facebook make you feel inadequate? Or perhaps you have some people in your life who are negative and that brings you down. It could even be the news on the TV before bedtime that send you to bed feeling unsettled or bad. Take some time to identify your triggers and then you will be able to avoid them.
TIP 6: Put the kettle on
Tea has a range of psychological and physical health benefits that can improve your wellbeing. The humble cuppa has been used for centuries across the world to help with relaxation, improve spirituality, nourishment and healing and there are many speciality teas which contain health promoting ingredients.
TIP 7: Challenge the rut
Carla Watson and Shelley La Mancusa, authors of Getting Out of a Rut (released 24th January ) suggest that the only way to combat self-improvement is to concentrate on who and what you surround yourself with. They say:
“It is hard enough sometimes for us to get out of bed in the mornings and shower ourselves with compliments, without the aid of other people commenting on the choices you make. A supportive network of friends and family is vital to achieving inner happiness and avoid negativity.”
So there you have it - 7 more tips to cheer you up. What coping strategies do you have for surviving Blue Monday?
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