If you are reading this article then it probably means that you are still alive – in which case, you have successfully made it to Blue Monday.
Blue Monday is the name given to a day in January (typically the third Monday of the month) said by a UK travel company, to be the most depressing day of the year. The concept was first published in a 2005.
The third Monday of January – is, or so the theory goes, the most depressing day of the year because it’s cold, you’ve spent all your money on Christmas and all your new year’s resolutions have failed.
Those who have had to scrape their body out of bed this morning are likely to agree, although is today any worse than last Monday?
Whilst we are all in the midst of a global pandemic, perhaps this year is worse than others.
But there are still plenty of reasons to be cheerful today – for one you are still here! Many people made the most of a seasonally warm day yesterday to get out and enjoy some fresh air. Those in the countryside were largely left to their own devices, although those by the sea were left to defend their own 2m personal zone, as hoards of people dropped in to our coastal towns.
The coronavirus crisis, and the restrictions on daily life it brings, has impacted negatively on our mental health.
Those with a more serious disposition say that Blue Monday is nonsensical and mental health charities claim it belittles depression and other mental illness.
The charity ‘Mind’ has spent years dispelling the myth around Blue Monday. It says depression is a serious condition which can affect people on any day. Mind say that “There is no credible evidence to suggest that one day in particular can increase the risk of people feeling depressed”.
That’s just fantastic, that sort of news hasn’t helped at all!
Whatever you choose to do today, make sure you do something fun that makes you feel happy. If you are on your own, pick up the phone and speak to a friend.
Not all bad things come in blue – there is raspberry Slush Puppie, those ‘blue’ movies, Blueberry muffins and of course, the Smurfs! Enjoy your Monday and keep smiling 🙂
