Have you ever heard of Blue Monday? It’s the third Monday of January and is widely considered as the most depressing day of the year. Blue Monday falls on the 20th of January this year.

Although it may be just a pseudoscientific concept, many people do feel this way.

The Science Behind Blue Monday

Blue Monday was first marketed by Sky Travel in 2005 as a calculation that uses various factors such as weather, debt, time since Christmas, motivation levels, and failed New Year’s resolutions to predict when people are most likely to be feeling down.

The idea of Blue Monday has been highly criticized by scientists and mental health professionals as there is not enough evidence to support it. Depression cannot be predicted by a single day of the year.

Moreover, it is an insult to the people who have been struggling with mental health issues and their battle is not limited to a particular day of the year.

The Factors Contributing to It

Although Blue Monday is a controversial idea, there may indeed be some factors contributing to this general feeling of sadness that many people experience in January.

Weather

The weather could be a major contributor to this feeling of sadness as winter months could be mostly dark and cold.

According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of recurrent major depression affecting 5% to 10% of the population that has a seasonal pattern of occurrence with the onset of symptoms typically occurring in the late fall and early winter.

Social Isolation

After the excitement of Christmas, life may feel emptier in January. Many households reach their peak social interaction during the festive period.

However, in January, the holiday events have come to an end, and people are no longer around or available to interact. This could cause social isolation, which can cause low mood and feelings of loneliness.

Finances

January could also be the time when the bills from holiday spending are due, and there could be a general feeling of being broke.

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In addition to that, people tend to overspend during the holidays, which could lead to financial difficulties at the beginning of the year. The stress that comes with financial problems can easily lead to depression.

How to Overcome Blue Monday?

If you are feeling a little blue today, there are some things you can do to cheer yourself up. Here are some tips:.

Stay Active

Exercise releases endorphins that can keep you happy and satisfied. They can help you feel good and distract you from the feeling of sadness.

Eat Healthily

Eating well-balanced meals can boost mood and sustain energy. Nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins can produce a sense of well-being. Avoid alcohol or excessive caffeine as they could negatively affect your mood.

Stay Social

Engage in social activities with your friends and family. You could plan some events that don’t necessarily have to be big or formal.

Even going out for lunch with some friends or going to see a movie could be enough to take your mind off your current state and lift your spirits.

Get Some Sunlight

Try to spend some time outside during the daylight hours. Exposing yourself to sunlight has been shown to increase serotonin levels in the brain, leading to improved mood and happiness.

Set Goals

Planning and setting goals could give you a sense of direction and purpose. They could also give you something else to focus your energy and thoughts on that you can work towards.

Conclusion

Blue Monday is not something that affects everyone, and it should not be viewed as a blanket statement. Life can be difficult for many people throughout the year.

However, it is important to be aware of the factors that could be contributing to a low mood, and to try our best to overcome them. By utilizing the tips listed above, we can help ourselves get out of a negative state and lead lives filled with happiness and joy.