Today is Blue Monday. Not an official holiday but is known for being named one of the most depressing days of the year. This is believed to be due to the combination of post-holidays, the realization you aren’t following through on resolutions, the level of sunlight is limited and of course cold weather. There are 31 days in this month, and it feels like the longest month of the year. A lot of us get to the end of this month and start to get a bit down. The mornings are dark. The days feel long and the colder weather keeps us indoors. So how can we shake ourselves out of this funk?
Here are a few ways for I use to shake the winter blues.
Listen to music! Music is a great way to stay upbeat. I create a playlist for every month of the year. I try and find songs that I love at that time and add it to my list. By the end of the year I have 12 playlists that I have named by month. Then I look back and try to relate to the songs and the month. It is a great way to look at your year in review.
Exercise! This time of year we all try to commit to being healthier. This should include moving your body. Research shows that the pump of adrenaline and the flow of blood in your body increases endorphins. And as Elle Woods says, “Endorphins make you happy” - there is actual proof this is true. I try and workout 4X each week. I mix up my exercise and incorporate, walking, yoga, spinning, swimming and strength training. I also look for different workout ideas online. I try and get out at lunch, and walk in our winter weather. The short burst of energy helps with increasing my endorphins.
Watch a new show! In my circle of friends, we are addicted to online TV shows. We share reviews on shows and find something that we enjoy. Binge watching a show is a great way to make it through a few weeks. I am not saying to do this every weekend, but it sure helps get through a few tough weeks. I just binge watched Billions. Loved it.
Connect with friends! It is so easy to go home after a shift, take a shower, put on your pjs and do nothing. This is a great time to plan a social night with friends. Research shows that getting out and being social is a great way to deal with feeling down. Plan a games night, or a theme night. Do something different. It gives you something to look forward to and keeps you motivated.
Find a Favourite Book! Is there a book that you heard was great? Or is there a book someone told you about? This is the perfect time of year to do some reading. Reading is a great way to lose yourself in another world. It makes us forget our current surroundings. My current book on the go is Then She Was Gone. What are you reading?
Finally the last thing I do is I list all the dates that are important to me and keep me motivated like the Super Bowl, Valentine’s Day, March Break and the first day of spring. Knowing these dates are coming seem to work for me.
I hope that some of the ideas will help you work through the winter blues. Send me your tips and tricks and we will share them with the rest of the members.
Have a great winter. Stay warm!
Michelle
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