06:00, 17 January 2025
Words by Abi Scaife, Staff Writer, London
We’re coming up to Blue Monday - supposedly the most depressing day of the year.
While this started off as a (very clever) marketing campaign by Sky Travel, the idea has taken off - and, let's be honest, if there was going to be a ‘most depressing day of the year’, a Monday in January would be a prime contender.
But here are Smiley News we are all about positivity - so here are five things you can do to make Blue Monday a little less blue.
When you’re feeling blue, whether that’s because you are tired, stressed or just sad, socialising is a great place to start. It doesn’t matter if you see someone you love, or if you just pop to the shops and say hi to some strangers - we’re humans who need connection with others.
On Blue Monday, we recommend connecting with your friends and loved ones - suggest a movie night, or go out for a non-alcoholic drink, if you are doing Dry January. Talk about what you are feeling and what is making Blue Monday so blue - or, do something fun and forget about your worries for a bit. Either way, talking with your loved ones is a surefire way to beat the blues on Blue Monday.
Okay, yes, everyone talks about the benefits of exercise on mental health - but that’s because science has proven it works! The thing is, though, exercise looks different for everyone - especially on Blue Monday.
Maybe you’re a seasoned runner - in that case, find a new route and go for your life. Perhaps you don’t like, or aren’t physically able to, run - that’s totally fine too. You can get the benefits of exercise from something like yoga, a short walk, or five minutes on an exercise bike. Even just doing some stretches and engaging your body can make a difference - the important thing is to keep moving.
If it’s tricky for you to get outside on Blue Monday, why not lean into the winter-y vibes and get all cosy? Put on your favourite cosy film (for this we recommend a Studio Ghibli classic), make a cup of tea, and bring out the last of the Christmas choccies.
If you’re a gamer, cosy games are great for Blue Monday - or if you’re a bookworm, you can take a look at the cosiest books on your shelf for a soul-warming read.
Cosiness is such a great way to beat the winter blues, and if you are working on Blue Monday, or otherwise busy, this is something you can fit in around your daily life.
If you’re feeling down on Blue Monday, one of the best things you can do for your mental health is remember that there are good things in the world. Whether that’s reading some positive news on Smiley News, snuggling with a beloved pet, or listening to your favourite album, the list is endless.
The most important thing is that you remember there are reasons to be happy, and to keep going - even if this day feels rubbish in itself, it won’t last forever.
This is something we recommend doing as well as others on this list - being mindful. Now, that doesn’t necessarily mean doing an hour-long, unguided meditation (unless that’s your thing; you do you). It can be as simple as writing down five things you are feeling, or five things you are grateful for - or just mentally making a note of what you want to spend the day doing.
Being conscious of what you are going to do, rather than just floating through the day, means if you get those blue feelings you can acknowledge them, do something positive, and allow those negative feelings to disappear.
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
Campaign to End Loneliness. This charity campaigns to make sure that people most at risk of loneliness are reached and supported. Support them here.
Samaritans. Samaritans works to make sure there's always someone there for anyone who needs someone. Find out more here.
Ripple Suicide Prevention. R;pple exists to ensure immediate mental health support is presented to individuals following a harmful online search. Learn more here.
This article aligns with the UN SDG Good Health and Wellbeing.
