The third Monday of January is the bleakest day of the year—or so we’ve heard. Mondays already have a bit of a bad reputation and January is similar. Winter has established its stronghold, days are short, sunlight is a rare thing, and that’s without thinking of all the money we just spent over the holidays, and the New Year’s resolutions we’re struggling to keep. So, how do you survive Blue Monday?
What Is Blue Monday?
Blue Monday is an unofficial holiday that annually falls on the third Monday of January. It is said to be the most depressing day of the year—but it’s a PR stunt. In 2005, Cliff Arnall was commissioned by a travel agency to find the bleakest day of the year to sell more winter vacations.
There is little science proving this exact date to be the saddest. However, some variables still come into play and may make us feel a little blue around that specific Monday. It’s cold and dark and the desire to hibernate inside our homes is at an all-time high. The post-holiday blues set in, vacations are well and truly over, and summer feels like a distant memory.
How to Overcome the Blues
Now that we’ve demystified Blue Monday, the idea of surviving it isn’t as needed. Nevertheless, it’s still a good opportunity to take a break and take care of ourselves. Here are some of our favourite ways to power through any Monday!
Try Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is a holistic treatment that uses essential oils to promote well-being. Fragrance is strongly linked to our memories and emotions. It can enhance both our physical and mental health. Diffusers or soy-based candles are great ways to practise at-home aromatherapy.
• Lavender and chamomile for relaxation, de-stressing and an easier time falling asleep
• Eucalyptus and peppermint to release tensions
• Rosemary and cedar to improve concentration
Add Self-Care to Your Routine
We take care of others all the time—the bleakest day of the year seems like the perfect opportunity to give a little love to ourselves. Slip into a warm bath filled with Epsom salts, light some candles, find a good book and apply a moisturizing face mask—nothing else matters.
Give Horticultural Therapy a Go
It’s proven that indoor plants improve productivity, positivity and concentration, boost your mood and reduce stress levels. In winter, when we must spend so much of our time inside, why not bring nature in? Just grab yourself a plant (snake plants are great for beginners) to get through the winter blues with a little bit of green.
Treat Yourself to a Massage
What better way to ignore the existence of Blue Monday than by spending it erasing all traces of stress and tension? Receiving a massage is a great way to step away from it all for an hour. Allow the expert hands of massage therapists to take you somewhere else—where winter blues are a mere memory.
Practice Mindfulness
Being kinder to ourselves, lowering our stress levels, reconnecting, improving our focus and being present are all long-lasting benefits of meditation. Here are a few simple steps to give it a try:
1. Set a short and attainable time limit, 5 to 10 minutes is a great place to start.
2. Find a quiet place to sit. Make sure you are grounded and comfortable—you’ll have to stay in this position for a while.
3. Inhale deeply and exhale slowly and fully. Feel how your breath expands and contracts your belly.
4. Be kind to yourself when your mind wanders—if you catch yourself thinking of anything, just go back to focusing on your breathing.
5. When you’re done, just open your eyes, check-in with your body, thoughts and emotions and continue your day, gently.
Grab Some Comfort Food
There’s nothing quite like your favourite dish to brighten up any day! Dust off the old recipe book, scour the web and get cooking. Get yourself a healthy dose of comfort in the form of whatever dish you want. You might even get a dash of aromatherapy in there—what better scent is there than cookies baking?
Go Play Outside
Vitamin D may be a hard commodity around Blue Monday, but getting fresh air is so important. Simply going outside for 15 minutes will do wonders for your well-being. Skiing, sledding, hiking, snowshoeing, walking—anything that will get you outside the house will do the trick. Pile on the layers and get the hot cocoa ready for when you get back.
So, take a long warm bath, get a massage, go outside, find a good read, and relax. We can all make an effort to be kinder to ourselves and make time for some well-deserved pampering, this Blue Monday, or any other day.
