Blue Monday

Blue Monday is said to have been created in 2006 as an advertising mechanism to try and get us to treat ourselves to a nice holiday. The third Monday in January was chosen because of low bank balances after Christmas, dark and cold days, a return to the familiar routine of work and outside responsibilities, you get the picture. Having a holiday to look forward to can help for sure but what can be done in the here and now to get your happy vibe on.

What supports you to feel happy? 

So often when we are feeling blue we concentrate our minds further on how blue we are feeling and how unfair life can be but how well does that work for us? Identifying what makes us happy can support us when we are feeling down to find a good pick me up or even better ensure that we never get too low. We can get so busy fulfilling what we feel are our obligations that we forget to fulfill our own needs.

What supports us to feel happy could be as simple as listening to good music, taking a picture that captures something meaningful for us, reading a good book, dancing, watching a comedy, doing something new, making good food, meeting a good friend, exercise, taking a class, the list is endless.

If you are feeling blue here are ‘3 Top Positive Psychology Tips’ to support you to beat the Monday Blues and live a happier life today.

1. Relationships 

Research has shown that people who have one or more close friendships are happier. Make an arrangement to meet a good friend for a giggle, heart to heart, a new adventure, holiday or dinner, it doesn’t matter what just arrange to spend some quality time with them. If they are too far away to physically meet use your imagination as to how you can feel more connected to them, for example, Skype book club, wine club, food appreciation club whatever floats your interests.

2. Exercise and Wellbeing

Regular exercise has been associated with improved mental well-being and a lower incidence of depression. When you are feeling blue it is useful to ask yourself when have you had any form of real exercise recently. What kind of exercise supports you to feel good? If you haven’t found it yet keep experimenting. Joining a class can support you to take regular exercise. Asking a friend to join you can help you to stay accountable to your personal commitments with the added bonus of supporting ye to stay connected.

3. Gratitude

Grateful people have been shown to have greater positive emotions, a greater sense of belonging, and lower incidence of depression and stress. At the end of each day note three things you are grateful for. It is amazing the things we take for granted that so many are not fortunate enough to have. From the luxury of being able to have a nice quiet cup of tea in peaceful surroundings, health, friendships, family, to employment the list can be endless. The list helps us to remind us of this and to watch out for the positives in our lives.

If you feel you need professional support beating the Monday Blues and gaining the life you want to live invest in your own happiness and work with a Life Coach to support you to live the life you want to live.