Surviving Blue Monday(And Other Crazy Happenings)

Did you know the third Monday of January is called “Blue Monday?” It is said to be the most depressing day of the year. Although this claim is not supported by science, several factors make sense. As a mental health advocate, I want to discuss this.

Twenty years ago, a British travel company announced that it used an “equation " to explain the melancholy of this day. The factors cited were weather, holiday debt, and broken New Year’s resolutions.

Winter is often associated with feeling “meh” and “blue.” I happened to enjoy the winter season and the cozy feeling it brings. I love winter clothes, baking, reading, watching movies, and coffee dates with friends. I find snow relaxing and peaceful. However, I can understand why people who don’t like it struggle during this time.

Cold weather and a lack of sunlight can be draining. The stress of impending snowstorms and spreading germs can also be challenging. It can also be difficult not to have much to look forward to, like holidays or vacations. Wintertime can often feel robotic and dreary. On top of all this, we are dealing with turbulence.

Regardless of your political views, this is one of the most emotionally charged political climates we’ve experienced. Our society is divided, and this weekend's TikTok ban and uncertainty only heightened people’s emotions. As a country, we are also navigating the devastation caused by the Los Angeles fires. It’s a lot for us to process, and it’s important to stay mindful of how it can impact our mental health.

So, how do you combat the winter blues? Staying busy and having something to look forward to is helpful. Being social with people you can talk to for support is beneficial when feeling down. In addition, staying consistent with a healthy diet, exercising, and taking Vitamin D are good ways to improve our mood.

Try unplugging and taking breaks from the noise of social media. Although staying informed about what’s happening is important, sometimes we need to take a break from it. Sometimes, it’s good to get creative, cook yummy food, and get outside when possible. Winter can be tough, but we can make the best of it!