The third Monday in January is known as Blue Monday and is said to be the most depressing day of the year (due to factors such as weather, debt and motivation says it’s creator Cliff Arnall).
Low levels of daylight, cold weather and post holiday blues can be an issue at this time of year – but they don’t have to be. There are many simple things you can do to shift your focus and brighten your day. Here are my top 5 blues busters.
1. Laughter
Laughter really is the best medicine. It is infectious (in a good way .. try watching people laugh without joining in yourself e.g. here and below) and you just can’t feel bad whilst laughing. There are many psychological and medical benefits and … its FUN. You don’t have to tell jokes or even be with friends. There are laughter clubs and laughter yoga groups worldwide (including skype laughterclub, so distance is no object). There are also plenty of You Tube videos to get you giggling.
2. Appreciation
If you can find something in your life to be grateful for or appreciative of, then you are on the path to feeling good and lifting your mood. Even if there are more things going wrong than right for you, search for the good things. Below is a lovely morning appreciation meditation.
3. Kindness
Being kind to others, as well as being a wonderful thing to do, can help us feel good in the process. So, give somebody a smile, do something helpful, or hug a friend today …or a stranger.
4. Movement
It can be easy to want to curl up inside on cold winter days, but moving, or even just deep breathing, can help get your energy circulating, the blood pumping and it releases endorphins, all helping you feel good. So, if your health allows for it, go stretch, walk, dance, breathe deeply and move your body however feels good for you.
5. EFT Tapping for stress-busting and raising your mood.
If you find yourself stressed, worried or feeling down don’t just put up with it. There are many safe and effective ways to release those feelings and then to raise your mood and energy. My favourite is EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique), also known as tapping. Here are a couple of tapping videos to clear any stress and get you on the path to feeling great.
If you need some extra help beating the blues, get in touch and we’ll find a way to get you feeling good.
Wonderful post. Thank you.
Looks like this was posted in January 2013, and I’m just seeing it now in January 2017. I love this post! So much fun and so helpful. Couldn’t help but laugh along with the laughing video. Loved it!
Hi Sandra, I’m glad it was helpful and fun.
Those tips never age, even if the post does – and laughter often continues to be the best medicine.
Thanks for your comment.