What Is "Blue Monday" & How Can You Get Over It?

"Blue Monday" is a term that was popularized by a PR campaign in 2005, which claimed that the third Monday of January is the most depressing day of the year. The campaign was based on a combination of factors such as weather, debt, time since Christmas, and time since failed New Year's resolutions.

However, the idea that a single day can be the most depressing of the year is not supported by scientific research, and many experts have criticized the concept of "Blue Monday" as being unscientific and misleading.

Despite this, people still experience feelings of sadness, anxiety, and hopelessness during the winter months, and the post-holiday period can be a difficult time for some. The shorter days, cold weather and lack of sunlight can all contribute to feelings of depression and low mood.

Luckily, there are a few things you can do to combat these feelings.

many people still experience feelings of sadness, anxiety, and hopelessness during the winter months (Photo by getty)

---

How to Improve Your Mood and Get Over "Blue Monday"

Check out these simple methods for beating the blues:

Get Moving: Exercise is one of the most effective ways to combat depression and anxiety. Even a short walk outside can help in boosting your mood and improving your overall well-being.

Connect with Others: Spending time with friends and loved ones can help lift your spirits and provide a sense of support and connection.

Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness techniques such as meditation and yoga can help in reducing stress and improve mental well-being.

Spending time with loved ones and friends can help lift your spirits and provide a sense of support and connection (Photo by Andrea Piacquadio/pexels)

Eat a Healthy Diet: Eating a balanced diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean protein can help improve mood and reduce feelings of depression.

Getting Enough Sleep: Sleep is essential for good mental health, and lack of sleep can make depression and anxiety worse. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night.

Seeking Professional Help: If your feelings of sadness and hopelessness persist, it may be beneficial to seek help from a mental health professional. A therapist or counselor can help you work through your feelings and develop coping strategies.

It's also important to remember that everyone experiences ups and downs in life, and it's normal to feel low sometimes. Instead of focusing on the idea of "Blue Monday" and feeling guilty for not being happy, try to focus on taking care of yourself and doing things that bring you joy.

It's also important to remember that everyone experiences ups and downs in life, and it's normal to feel low sometimes. (photo by getty)

---

A word From Sportskeeda

Your attitude determines how Blue Monday appears! Rather than feeling sorry for yourself, use this day to reflect on how you want the remainder of your year to go. Rewrite your resolutions, set achievable goals, or even treat yourself to some self-care or have company come to your house. Make Monday a time to reflect and refocus!