Although this may be your first time hearing about it, Blue Monday isn’t new. In 2018, News10 ran a story about the third Monday of January being “the most depressing day of the year.” Whether or not you believe in Blue Monday, by the middle of January, the dark and dreary days of winter can feel a little depressing for most of us. However, there are a few things you can do depending on the severity of your mood. Retail therapy, for example, is one way to help you feel better.
Blue Monday was first cited as the most depressing day of the year by a UK company named Sky Travel. In a press release from 2005, the company claimed to have calculated the date by using a variety of factors. Because this calculation considers seasonal weather, it is only valid for people living in the Northern Hemisphere.
There is no scientific evidence that pinpoints a specific date as the most depressing day for everyone in the Northern Hemisphere. This means Blue Monday is not real.
However, post-holiday melancholy is. Many people suffer from a prevailing sense of sadness during the winter months. If you are down, and these feelings prevent you from living a normal life, talk to a qualified healthcare provider.
If your winter blues are only mild, there are a few simple lifestyle changes you can make to help get back to feeling like you. The Mayo Clinic suggests such strategies as going outside while it is sunny, making your inside environment brighter, exercising and establishing a regular sleeping pattern. You could also purchase a light therapy lamp and spend the first hour of each morning sitting in front of it to elevate your mood.
As long as you are in control, a little retail therapy can reduce stress and elevate your mood. Here are five deals on items that can help you beat Blue Monday.
JBL Tune 225TWS Wireless Earbuds
Listening to music can boost dopamine levels and elevate your mood. With a pair of JBL’s wireless earbuds, you can listen to your favorite songs for up to 25 hours before needing to recharge the case.
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Adidas Women's Cloudfoam Pure Running Shoe
Regular exercise not only enhances mood but can elevate energy levels and give you a positive sense of well-being. These running shoes let you work out in comfort.
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Sunny Health & Fitness Folding Treadmill
Even if you don’t have a great deal of room in your home or apartment, this folding treadmill can be a good fit for your exercise needs. It operates at speeds up to 10 mph and features 15 pre-installed workouts.
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If you are not getting a good night’s sleep, you will become irritable and may feel depressed. This light-blocking sleep mask feels silky on your skin and can help you get uninterrupted sleep so you can trounce those melancholy moods.
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One of the most important things you can do to elevate your mood in the winter is wake up to bright light. This sunrise alarm clock ensures that it happens every day, no matter what the weather.
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Allen Foster writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
