{"id":7057,"date":"2021-01-07T09:00:34","date_gmt":"2021-01-07T09:00:34","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog-content.thortful.com\/?p=7057"},"modified":"2024-12-11T16:43:01","modified_gmt":"2024-12-11T16:43:01","slug":"beat-the-blue-monday-blues","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog-content.thortful.com\/beat-the-blue-monday-blues\/","title":{"rendered":"How to beat the Blue Monday blues"},"content":{"rendered":"

A commonly used term to reference the third Monday of January, Blue Monday marks the day we\u2019re officially at our gloomiest, with feelings of post-Christmas despondency, wavering resolutions, and glum weather taking their toll.<\/span><\/p>\n

Enough\u2019s enough, though! In a bid to lift the nation\u2019s spirits, we\u2019ve pulled together six tried-and-tested Blue Monday tips to get us all through the dastardly day. From setting manageable resolutions to reconnecting with friends and practicing mindfulness, you\u2019ll find a variety of Blue Monday ideas below.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

But before we dive into them, why not pick up one of our <\/span>send a smile cards<\/span><\/a> while you\u2019re here? These positive paper pick-me-ups are ideal for sending to loved ones who\u2019ve been feeling a tad blue:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Tomorrow
\"@AimeeStevens.Design\"

@AimeeStevens.Design<\/p><\/div><\/a><\/div>

\"Big
\"@pepperpeachillustrations\"

@pepperpeachillustrations<\/p><\/div><\/a><\/div>

\"Take
\"Carina

Carina Roberts<\/p><\/div><\/a><\/div>

\"Pugs
\"Abbie

Abbie Imagine<\/p><\/div><\/a><\/div>

\"I
\"Paper

Paper Pipit<\/p><\/div><\/a><\/div>

\"So
\"Sweetlove

Sweetlove Press<\/p><\/div><\/a><\/div>

\"Big
\"Do

Do You Punctuate?<\/p><\/div><\/a><\/div>

\"Microwave
\"https:\/\/images.thortful.com\/profile\/574f26b4e4b077b5d9e23302\/574f26b4e4b077b5d9e23302_picture_medium.jpg?version=3\"

https:\/\/images.thortful.com\/profile\/574f26b4e4b077b5d9e23302\/574f26b4e4b077b5d9e23302_picture_medium.jpg?version=3<\/p><\/div><\/a><\/div>

\"Hands
\"Wild

Wild Card<\/p><\/div><\/a><\/div>

\"Sweet
\"Jodie

Jodie Gaul & Co<\/p><\/div><\/a><\/div>

\"The
\"Lucy

Lucy Maggie Designs<\/p><\/div><\/a><\/div>

\"Good
\"Smail\"

Smail<\/p><\/div><\/a><\/div>

\"Stay
\"Creaternet\"

Creaternet<\/p><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Once you\u2019ve picked your favourite design, check out our blog on <\/span>what to write in a thinking of you card<\/span><\/a>. Then, if you\u2019re really hoping to treat a loved one, dive into our <\/span>gifts to cheer someone up<\/span><\/a> guide!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What is Blue Monday and when is it?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Entering the New Year, you might have heard the term bandied about; but exactly what is Blue Monday? Or perhaps the more appropriate question would be \u2018when is Blue Monday?\u2019.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Blue Monday\u2014the day that has a reputation for being the gloomiest of the year\u2014falls on the third Monday in January. With the merriment of Christmas and New Year now a distant memory, this dreaded day is apparently when people are at their absolute glummest\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n

But this certainly doesn\u2019t have to be the case, as there are a variety of things you can do to boost your mood. From treating yourself to some delicious food to making exciting plans for the year ahead, we\u2019ll show you that it\u2019s more than possible to turn a notoriously gloomy occasion into something much brighter.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

So without further ado, let\u2019s get onto the Blue Monday tips so that you can make the most of this stereotypically \u2018gloomy\u2019 day!<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0 1. Set small resolutions you can stick to<\/span><\/h2>\n

If your New Year struggles stem from difficult resolutions, our simple solution is to cut yourself some slack and set more realistic expectations. After all, you\u2019re only human\u2026\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The easiest way to combat resolution discontent is to set yourself smaller, more attainable targets. It\u2019s as simple as that. Choose achievable milestones and celebrate every tiny victory!<\/span><\/p>\n

Dieting and exercise, two ever-popular New Year trends, are obvious examples and easy instances of applying this strategy. Instead of beating yourself up for missing the gym <\/span>again<\/span><\/em>, consider committing to less, a couple of times a week perhaps, and taking an hour out from your busy schedule on the remaining days for a healthy lunchtime stroll. Similarly, a total food cleanse can be made more manageable with the odd takeaway or treat.<\/span><\/p>\n

For more tips on how to set manageable targets, why not have a quick read of our full guide on <\/span>New Year resolution ideas<\/span><\/a>?<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0 2. Give your body the detox it deserves<\/span><\/h2>\n

If you\u2019re still in a post-Christmas slump, reeling from one too many chocolates, entertain the notion of a small-scale health drive. By all means begin a full-scale detox, but we\u2019re thinking something a little less dramatic.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Anyway, we won\u2019t bore you with the science (endorphins etc), but, aside from the clear and evident physical benefits, making little tweaks and adjustments to your lifestyle can go a long way towards improving your mental health and boosting your mood.<\/span><\/p>\n

Three weeks into the year, shake your body into shape with a short walk, run, or cycle before a nutritious breakfast to set you up for the day. Proven to improve cognitive capacity and self-esteem, you\u2019ll be glad for the change of pace.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0 3. Never be afraid to treat yourself<\/span><\/h2>\n

We know our bodies better than anyone. And while it\u2019s, naturally, vitally important to act healthily, there should never be any stigma attached to simply taking a day off from time to time. This means takeaway night and a big glass of wine in front of your telly. Binge, bask, and relax your way into a state of serenity that\u2019ll wash your Blue Monday blues away.<\/span><\/p>\n

If a passion for physical health is something you can\u2019t budge on, make more of an effort to give your mental health an overdue break, instead. Long hours at work can wear you down, so take the evening off for once. Enjoy complete cosiness and unwind in front of your favourite film or succumb to your inner spender and explore the online winter sales. In short, make the day about you.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0 4. Fill your schedule with exciting plans<\/span><\/h2>\n

The next of our Blue Monday ideas involves making some exciting plans for the year ahead! If you\u2019re feeling a little blue, there\u2019s nothing like sitting down with a diary and filling it with things to look forward to. From holidays and weekend breaks to meeting friends and going for drinks, give yourself something to get giddy about.<\/span><\/p>\n

Booking a holiday requires a monetary commitment you might not be able to make, however simply plotting your next adventure should suffice! And there\u2019s nothing stopping you contacting family, friends, or loved ones to meet up for drinks!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The difficult feeling doesn\u2019t last, and the good times will come again. So, it\u2019s important to remind yourself of this and offer yourself motivation to power through the gloominess.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0 5. Reconnect with friends, old and new<\/span><\/h2>\n

Sometimes, the best thing to get us through the hard times is a chat with friends. The combination of familiarity and reminiscing about great times is just the reminder you need that low feelings are always temporary.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

So, get them on the phone or send a quick message for a catch up. Whether over video call or a meander with a takeaway coffee, you\u2019ll certainly see a lift in your serotonin levels after having a chat with your best mates.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0 6. Discover the benefits of practicing mindfulness<\/span><\/h2>\n

Managing to maintain a clear head free of negativity will inevitably lead to a more enjoyable day. So, on Blue Monday, of all days, it\u2019s important to practice positive techniques that enable you to reduce feelings of anxiety.<\/span><\/p>\n

Mindfulness doesn\u2019t always mean meditation, either, and often requires minimal time and effort on your part. Listening to soothing music, heading out for a gentle stroll in the park, and enjoying a lie down are all positive steps towards ameliorating your mood.<\/span><\/p>\n

Taking a quick half hour away from your screen, work, and social media gives you the opportunity to step aside from overwhelming feelings that might be brimming. This invariably improves motivation and confidence, allowing you to more easily manage stress.<\/span><\/p>\n

As the weather turns and New Year giddiness quickly wears off, it\u2019s easy to start overthinking. As Blue Monday comes around again, though, apply our techniques and we\u2019re sure you\u2019ll notice a definite lift in mood.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Finally, with even more <\/span>feel-good reads<\/span><\/a> to get stuck into, make sure to head over to the <\/span>thortful blog.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

A commonly used term to reference the third Monday of January, Blue Monday marks the day we\u2019re officially at our gloomiest, with feelings of post-Christmas despondency, wavering resolutions, and glum weather taking their toll. Enough\u2019s enough, though! In a bid to lift the nation\u2019s spirits, we\u2019ve pulled together six tried-and-tested Blue Monday tips to get…<\/p>\nRead More<\/a>","protected":false},"author":18,"featured_media":7058,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0},"categories":[463],"tags":[],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nHow to Beat the Blue Monday Blues | Blue Monday Tips | thortful<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"With Blue Monday around the corner, you\u2019ll need a strategy in place to combat any unwanted sadness. 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