You are not alone if the beginning of the new year brings you the most depressing thoughts of winter: The slump that follows a holiday is very real.
Does that, however, imply that “Blue Monday” is truly the most grievous day of the year? It’s debatable.
Sky Travel first used the term “Blue Monday” in 2005 to describe the third Monday of January (January 15 in 2024). According to the company’s findings, which were released in a press release, the third Monday of the year had the lowest levels of “happiness” based on an arbitrary equation that took into account factors like weather, debt, the amount of time since the holidays, and the number of resolutions that were broken.
It was expected that there would be criticism. In addition to the fact that no two people could agree on the exact date of Blue Monday (January 8 and 22, 2024 are two viable candidates), experts have claimed that the entire concept is essentially false.
As a marketing stunt, a travel agency commissioned a psychologist to create a “depression formula” that would identify the most depressing day of the year; the result was Blue Monday. Having said that, there is no foolproof method for treating depression.
No one can claim that the days leading up to or following this are any less gloomy for everyone. What does it mean to translate? Unlike hypothetical mathematical problems, real human emotions cannot be quantified. Even though Blue Monday isn’t actually “real,” the seasonal depression you may experience is.
We do know that winter may bring an increase in depressive symptoms. Surely we could. The inevitable slump that follows a holiday break is undeniable, as mentioned earlier…similar to the stacks of credit card statements that pile up after a holiday purchase. Also, according to some, the Blue Monday phenomenon is at least partially caused by the fact that most people’s New Year’s resolutions to drastically alter their lifestyles fail.
Do your best not to wallow in self-pity if this describes you. If your New Year’s resolution is to undergo a radical emotional transformation, you will fail miserably. Substitute smaller, more manageable smart goals into your current schedule instead. The little things add up, and you’re sure to feel better in the long run.
Whether or not Blue Monday resonates with you, make self-care and wellness a winter priority. For optimal sleep hygiene, I suggest sticking to a regular sleep schedule, getting plenty of natural light by going for walks outside at least once a day, eating well, not abusing substances like alcohol, and working out regularly.
If you want to keep from becoming socially isolated during the winter months, it can be really helpful to keep up with good friends and family. Find out if anyone is interested in going for a group walk or having dinner together by starting (or reviving) your group chat. Try a new and interesting recipe or see what classes are available at your neighborhood gym. It’s never too late to join the Dry January movement, though many people discover that the shorter program is more effective for them.
On a final note, it’s OK to feel sad every once in a while. Having, accepting, and expressing those feelings can be therapeutic, and it’s normal to have occasional “off” days when you want to be alone and/or lie in bed listening to Lana Del Rey. Also, depressed young women are all the rage.
There is, of course, a significant gap between the occasional blues and clinical depression. It is recommended that you consult with your primary care physician or mental health professionals if you experience persistent symptoms that do not improve after implementing healthy lifestyle changes. Helpful options include medication and therapy.
Never forget that January is fleeting and that February is the shortest month of the year. Spring will arrive before your very eyes. When the temperature rises too high, you may secretly long for the return of winter.
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