What is blue Monday?

"Blue Monday" is the name given to the third Monday in January and has been coined as the most depressing day of the year.

Why is that ?

This time of year when we’re feeling down because;

• The weather’s cold

• We’re back at work and college

• We’ve got to make up all the money we spent at Christmas 

• Our stress and responsibilities increase

Does it have to be blue?

Here are 5 simple ways to turn your Blue Monday around:

•  Remember, we all have good and bad days – “This too shall pass". These negative feelings don’t have to determine the rest of our year.  

• Check in on your mental health – reflect on your mental wellbeing and continue to figure out which small practices help you feel better each day (walk, yoga, meditate, chat to a friend)

• Focus on the good things –  remember all the positives happening in your life, and try not to be dominated by things that may have gone wrong or aren’t going your way.  

• Remember the important lessons you’ve learned - be grateful for the obstacles you’ve overcome and the strength you showed throughout last year

• Use positive affirmations – try to start every day with a positive thought, saying, memory or quote that sets you up for the best possible start

• Remember that you are enough - we are all trying our best and we should be proud of ourselves just for being who we are.