The festive period is over, it’s freezing cold outside and the summer holidays are far away…it’s no surprise that the third Monday of January is considered the most depressing day of the year (and the current lockdown measures don’t make it any easier!).
But don’t worry, pal. We’ve got your back! Check out these 5 easy ways to power through Blue Monday and turn it into a Blue MAN-Day.
5 Easy Ways To Beat Blue Monday
1. Get out for a run
According to a Harvard study published in 2016, a 30-minute run may help reduce negative emotions for those of us who find it hard getting out of a funk. So, get your running shoes on and head to the park! (and if your sport gear needs a refresh, check out our brand new active range)
2. Make a to-do list
Is there something more satisfying than crossing things off a to-do list? Hardly. To-do lists can help decrease anxiety, as they provide structure and give us a record of all the tasks we’ve accomplished in a day.
According to an article published on CNN Health, the most effective way to do it is to reframe your to-do list as a set of mini goals for the day and think of your checklist items as steps in a plan. Have a try and you won’t be disappointed!
3. Take a short break from social media
According to David Greenfield, PhD, assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine, staying away from social media, even for a short period of time, can help reduce the level of cortisol (the stress hormone), leaving you calmer and more focused.
4. Try some yoga
It is no news that yoga can help manage stress levels, but recent research has shown that it may also be helpful for both anxiety and depression. Plus, it’s the perfect small-space workout: wherever you can roll out your mat, you can do yoga.
There are tons of free yoga classes available on-line (check out this list) and YouTube tutorials so, why not starting today?
5. Call a friend
Reaching out to our best mates is a great way to cheer ourselves up on a bad day and remind us that someone’s in our corner.
A study published in the Journal of Happiness Studies in 2010 found that feeling important or relied on by close friends was one of the main reasons why friendships made people happy. So, pick up the phone!
Wanna treat yourself today? Check out our BLUE MAN-DAY PROMO and get 40% off your favourite styles! (hurry up, it only lasts 24h!)
Who Should I Contact if I Am Struggling with My Mental Health?
Mental Health Helplines and Resources
UK
- MIND – A mental health awareness and support charity set up to help those in need. Phone: 0300 123 3393 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm)
- Samaritans – Call this helpline for confidential support if you are experiencing feelings of distress. Phone: 116 123 (free and available 24 hours a day)
- Anxiety UK – This charity helpline offers support if you have been diagnosed with anxiety Phone: 03444 775 774 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 10pm; Saturday to Sunday, 10am to 8pm)
Head to the official NHS website for more information and support lines for anxiety, stress support, Financial Hardship, Isolation and other mental health conditions.
USA
- American Foundation for Suicide prevention – https://afsp.org/get-help
- The Jed foundation – https://www.jedfoundation.org/
- Headspace – https://headspace.org.au/
- Robbie’s Hope – https://robbies-hope.com/
Australia
- R YOU OK? – https://www.ruok.org.au/
- Sane – https://www.sane.org/
- Beyond Blue – https://www.beyondblue.org.au/
- Men’s Line Australia – https://mensline.org.au/
France
- Filsan Te Jeunes – https://www.filsantejeunes.com/
- Suicide Ecoute – https://www.suicide-ecoute.fr/
Germany
- Jugend Support – https://www.jugend.support/
- Seelsorge – https://www.telefonseelsorge.de/
- German Society for Help with Depression – https://www.deutsche-depressionshilfe.de/start
Global
- Crisis Text Line – https://www.crisistextline.org/
- Befrienders – https://www.befrienders.org/
If you want to see more stuff like this keep an eye on our socials for more coping tips, mental health support and self care ideas.
