Blue Monday is the name given to a day in January (usually the third Monday of the month) which is claimed to be the most depressing day of the year.
Interestingly, the concept was first coined in 2005 as part of a press release from Sky Travel holiday company – obviously to encourage would-be holidaymakers to escape the miserable weather and have a holiday to look forward to!
But if a two-week holiday in the Caribbean is not an option for you just yet, then here are some sure-fire ways to get you through Blue Monday – or in fact, any Monday if you have the Sunday Blues….
How To Have A GREAT Blue Monday Day (at work or home)
- Grab a friend and go for an hour’s walk in your lunch break– you’ll kill two birds with one stone – a catch up with a friend and exercise!
- Take a box of donuts or cookies into the office to have a tea party during your break – you’ll lift everyone’s mood including your own and you’ll be appreciated!
- Play some of your favourite songs out loud (if you’re alone) or on your headphones if in company – and dance around the house.
- Do a spot of crafting – there’s something quite therapeutic about making something from scratch.
- Play a prank on a colleague – sellotape over their phone’s mouthpiece or lowering their chair every time they leave their desk are good ones to start (and yes – I do this regularly for a laugh).
- Do the weekly shop with at least two dishes that you’d like to cook in mind. Cook double and freeze half for when you can’t be bothered to cook.
- Treat yourself to a beauty/spa treatment.
- Treat yourself even more by dropping off your ironing, ready to pick up later.
- Make a clay model of your boss and get the pins ready.
- Brainstorm destinations you’d like to visit this year – have a think about getting away for short breaks in the UK as well as those abroad.
- At meetings, suggest you have five minutes for totally ridiculous ideas – to cheer everyone up. And who knows…often the most creative ideas come when people stop trying to be sensible!
- Go for a lunchtime swim – it will invigorate you!
How To Have A GREAT Blue Monday Night
- Do something different! Have a night of foreign culture – go for a Japanese meal, followed by a Japanese film.
- Write a plan on how to have Your Best Year Yet.
- Go through your old photos and reminisce about great holidays, family and friends.
- Plan a dinner party – write a list of who to invite and what’s on the menu – then text out the invites so you can’t change your mind.
- Book yourself to see a comedy show/film – laughter is the best medicine!
- Read the Top 50 Things To Make You Smile!
- Watch your favourite film – a tub of ice-cream being optional.
- Plant yourself in the kitchen for the night and concoct your favourite dish.
- Grab the TV guide and go through it, highlighting shows you won’t want to miss – and setting up a timer to record them if you know you’ll be out.
- Curl up with a fab magazine, hot water bottle, comforting drink and your favourite snack – and ask not to be disturbed for at least an hour – bliss.
- Reread a favourite childhood book.
- Allow yourself to browse a shopping site and buy yourself a small treat – this SAD Light from Amazon might be just the trick.
Hopefully you’ll gain a spot of inspiration to get over Blue Monday this year – or on any day when you’re feeling a bit low.
The secret is to recognising that it’s completely normal to have days when we’re not feeling our finest, going easy on ourselves – and remember that tomorrow is another day and things will be looking much better.
If nothing seems to be working for you, it often helps to write things down on paper – write down all the things that are bothering you or making you sad and then tell yourself that you will get through this and that you are strong.
It will also help to write down all the things that are going your way right now – maybe your bank balance is in the black, you’ve made plans to see a friend next week or your kitchen is spotless – try to be grateful for the small things – and soon you’ll be forgetting it was Blue Monday in the first place!
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30 comments
I managed to survive Blue Monday relatively unscathed, thankfully! I was so tempted to book a holiday though – it’s true, it really is the most depressing day of the year (so far for 2018 anyway), and I just wanted to book somewhere to get away lol x
I think most people opt for the holiday booking – and I don’t blame them. I had to join them and get booked up myself!
Love these ideas! Will be definately using them xx
Let me know if they work!
Oh a massage…..yes please!
Ha ha – I just had one this weekend!
Thanks for these. I particularly agree with no 4. January is a fresh start, and I think a burst of creativity gives inspiration for projects that can last the whole year
Thanks Grant – crafting or creating something can also be really therapeutic as well don’t you think?
There’s some great ideas here Lauretta. I think going outside and getting some fresh air with a friend would make a huge difference on a down day, blue Monday or otherwise
Zena’s Suitcase recently posted…What To Buy? January’s Travel & Lifestyle Round Up
Thanks Zena! The fresh air always seems to do the trick doesn’t it? Either that or a nice cuppa and a biscuit!
I’m really not a fan of January full stop, I usually find it so loooong and depressing. I’ve been OK so far this year so I’m hoping Blue Monday won’t be too traumatic!
Yes – try not to think about it and I’m sure you’ll be fine!
I absolutely love the idea of going for a lunchtime swim. I would do that tomorrow but I’m getting my hair cut before I get my daughter from nursery!
A haircut should help see you through the day – wish I had thought of that!
Loving your tips. January can be so Blue sometimes.
Especially when it’s cold, dark and wet!
Sadly I will be working on blue monday and then have Isaac’s swim training in the evening. Great tips though
Good luck Kara – will be thinking of you!
Nature always makes me feel better so I would definitely head outdoors….I wouldn’t say no to some massage though as well!
Mmh – best get it planned now so you can treat yourself!
“Make a clay model of your boss and get the pins ready.” Oh, this made me roar with laughter!! What a fab list x
I aim to please Hazel – really glad you enjoyed it!
Oh I love these ideas so much – fantastic tips to make Monday into a positive one 🙂
Have a great ‘Blue’ Monday Helen!
That’s so interesting it was dreamed up by a travel company, I had no idea. Love your tips (especially sellotaping the phone!!), I always spend January planning trips which cheers me up 🙂
Thanks Nichola! Holiday planning is a great way to get you in a great mood – good luck!
I sure would love a break in the Caribbean over Blue Monday but sadly I don’t think it’s going to happen, so these ideas are the next best thing! Spreading a bit of cheer by taking some sweet treats into work is an excellent plan, as is recreating a favourite dish in the kitchen! Thanks for these ideas, I feel prepared to meet the day head on now!
Thanks Abbey – good to hear it has provided some inspiration!
I do quick walks during my lunch breaks. I just do it alone though, bringing a friend is a good idea!
THat’s great Kathryn. I think when you do it with a friend, it feels more like an appointment and you’re more likely to stick with it – that’s what I think anyway!