Mondays can feel like a chore, even if you’re not an orange cat with a hankering for lasagna. This slump can happen to the best of us. In particular, there is such a point in the year called “Blue Monday,” wherein the day can be especially taxing.
Even though it started as a PR strategy, Blue Monday has been notable as one of the most significant points of the year when everyone just seems to feel extra down. It is said to usually hit around the third Monday of the year, and it can be a sucker punch if you’re already feeling, well, blue.
Thankfully, you aren’t necessarily trapped in this day’s chokehold. There are ways to figure out why this day may hit you and how to get past it in a healthy way.
Figure Out Why You’re Feeling Down
In general, Blue Monday tends to fall on a shorter day that is just after the holiday season, making it feel a bit rougher to get back to work.
Beyond that, though, it may help you to take a step back and figure out if there are any specific factors in your life that are giving you the blues. It’s easier to try and manage your feelings when you know what is causing them.
It’s All about Circadian Rhythms
Many people are shocked to find out that their bad mood is due to a biological response that is actually predetermined.
As it turns out, the emotions you feel on a day-to-day basis are heavily regulated by your body’s internal rhythms. This means your mood can be more vulnerable based on your heart rate, blood pressure, stress levels, and sleep habits.
Getting in a good nap and making sure you have a good night’s rest can do wonders in helping you get over the rut.
Get Out in the Sun
You may know that being out in the sun helps you to get a good amount of vitamin D, which, in turn, helps your body and mind to function.
It’s also been shown that people who get a decent amount of sunlight during the day have a lower level of depression. This is because the sun increases serotonin production in the brain and fights off seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
Just a few minutes in the sun to breathe the fresh air can go a long way for your mental health.
Prepare a Game Plan to Move Forward
It’s important to resist the urge to let yourself get stuck in a rut, and one of the best ways to stick yourself out of a slump is to stay motivated and figure out what to do to get past these types of bumps in the road.
Your plan doesn’t have to be perfect, either. Just find out what activities help you feel more joy and less stress so you can focus on that. Healthy eating and nutrition will also play a vital role in moving forward.
Conclusion
Although this doesn’t mean that you’ll never experience another bad day, you can help yourself to feel better with some simple habits. Finding ways to boost your mood and expecting certain slumps can really make things more manageable. Whether it’s Blue Monday or general feelings of sadness, there are ways for you to move forward in a healthy manner.
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