If you’re feeling low and down, it’s not just the weather getting to you. Studies have shown that January has been dubbed the most depressing month of the year (and, oddly enough, June is deemed the happiest).
This week is Blue Monday – supposedly a phenomenon whereby people are at their lowest ebb on the third Monday of January, due to a combination of bad weather, lack of daylight and post-Christmas blues.
Tiredness and lack of motivation are other symptoms to look out for. That said, there are plenty of ways to keep your mood on an even keel throughout January – here are nine top tips to help cheer you up:
So how do you keep it all together? We consulted some top psychologists on how to beat your Blue Monday blues.
1) Exercise. No matter what your fitness level, getting active will boost your mood and energy levels. Physical activity releases endorphins, which are mood enhancing hormones. Even a quick 10-minute walk will have a positive effect on your day!
2) Cleaning can make you feel better about yourself. Find an area of your home or office that could use a little TLC, then get busy cleaning! The more organized you are, the better you’ll feel mentally and emotionally.
3) Get more sleep. The winter months can be a real drag on your body clock, so it’s vital to get plenty of shut-eye. As well as ensuring you get enough sleep at night (8-9 hours for most adults) make sure you’re getting up on time each morning and going to bed early in the evening.
4) Write a list of everything you’re grateful for. Keep a notebook with you at all times so that if you find yourself feeling down, you can make a list of all the things that are going well in your life. This will focus your mind on positive things, which is highly effective at combating negative emotions.
