Blue Monday ... things you can do yourself!

Hi there! 🙂 I hope 2018 treated you well so far … despite the cold!

Winter is my favorite season, so no complaints from me. And the sunny winter days make it even more enjoyable, whether I’m outside or not. 🙂 Two pics taken this morning from my window:

Last Friday I heard about “Blue Monday” for the first time! If you’re like me, you probably don’t know that January 15th is called this way because many people feel depressed on this day. Since Radio Canada interviewed me on this topic, I’d like to share with you what I said – in case you’re not available to listen on his Monday (morning segment with Annie Poulin). It’s in French anyway. 🙂 Whether you’re looking for a job, to advance your career or just want to enjoy life more … maybe these ideas will help.

So, why people feel depressed this time of the year?

Let’s put it in the context first: January comes after a very busy December. People are probably tired after worrying what could be the best gifts within their budget, long shopping hours, hustling to finish work tasks before leaving for Holidays, celebrating with colleagues, family, friends, trying to get the most of the time off, etc. No wonder why they feel tired in January! And when we’re tired, the negative thoughts show up more often! 🙂 The more we entertain them, the more depressed we get!
The longer nights of December and January leave us less time to enjoy the daylight. If you’re working, you probably go to work when is still dark and it’s dark again when you go home. Studies show that daylight is an important factor to our wellbeing, especially to mental health. If there are no windows at your workplace, is even worse.
Many people don’t pay much attention to nature (plants, animals) although they’re great teachers! The bears, for example, they hibernate in winter after an active season to regenerate their energy for Spring. What do people do? After a busy December, they expect to be in great shape right away so they can start working on their new year resolutions. Well, a tired body won’t agree with such mental command. 🙂 And, if they beat themselves for not being able to do much, they’ll just add more psychological fatigue to the physical one. No wonder why the “Blue Monday” kicks in.

What to do?

First, recognize that people go through cycles too (both physically and mentally), including you! It’s better to become aware of your situation, instead of ignoring it. Focus on what you can do at this time of the year and don’t force yourself to accumulate more fatigue. Consistent baby steps contribute more to your resolutions than a big exhausting start and dropping the ball after. 🙂
Sleep is a great way to allow your body to regenerate, and meditation helps too.
If you work in a place without windows, go for a walk during the lunch break or find areas with large windows (even 20 min. of daylight are ok).
Take breaks to stretch, dance in the living room even if no one is watching (that’s me!), etc. It’ll boost your blood circulation and you’ll feel more invigorated. Our bodies need movement, even when the cold makes many people stay inside. The physical health influence the mental state, and the other way around. When one is deteriorating, the other can help!
Learn a way to notice your negative thoughts and stop them on the track! Otherwise, they’ll make “La Fiesta” in your head, while you’ll get more tired due to mental fatigue. 🙂 (let me know if you need help with this one)
And my favorite: focus on a project dear to you! You’ll get more energy from the inner Source, which also helps in dealing with external situations.