The third Monday of every January is called Blue Monday and is widely considered the day where depression is at its worst. It is thought that the combination of Seasonal Affective Disorder, post holiday drop, the grey weather, and the lack of something to look forward to in the coming months makes people feel lower than any other time of year. For some, this rings true; depression during these winter months can certainly spike due to a variety of factors, including a lack of quality outdoor time or debt to pay off after Christmas.
There is nothing scientific that makes the third Monday in January the most depressing day of the year. That doesn’t mean, however, that the winter months, especially post-Christmas, aren’t difficult for many people. It means that being prepared for this time is the best way to manage any potential dips in your mental health. Assembling a Winter Blues Toolkit can help take the worry and anxiety out of the next couple of months, and here are some ideas of what to stock it with.
Your 2022 Winter Toolkit
- Your favourite playlist to feel motivated.
- Some self care items like bath bombs, face masks, or scented candles.
- A new book to read.
- A puzzle to work on if the weather is really bad.
- A scheduled coffee date with someone you cherish.
- Aromatherapy oils like lavender to help you sleep.
- A sun lamp that can mimic natural sunlight for those dark evenings.
- Meditations to bring calm and reduce anxiety.
- Indoor plants and flowers to give you something to care for and nurture.
- A 20 minute walk everyday. Cardio is a proven mood booster.
Sometimes those around you may be having a hard time adjusting to the winter months. There are many opportunities surrounding Blue Monday to open up conversations about mental health. January and February can be a hard month for many people since Christmas is over and there isn’t a lot to focus on in terms of holidays or celebrations. If someone you know has been feeling low, using Blue Monday as a jumping off point for having a discussion about depression can frame the day into one of hope and next steps rather than the opposite.
If you’re feeling anxious about Blue Monday, remember that it is a day like any other. You can even label it something different if that helps (for example, in the UK there are those who call it Brew Monday, a day to share a cup of tea with a friend). If you find yourself lacking motivation, start scheduling small activities throughout your week in your calendar like a walk or a yoga session. This can offer you some routine, focus, and accountability. Using something out of your Winter Toolkit can help ease some of the feelings of sadness or worry.
Whatever you decide to do, know that you aren’t alone. If you feel as though you might need some help, there are trained counsellors at Walmsley to help you. Just reach out.
Rob Baker, MA RCC
Walmsley EFAP