Lift Your Mood This Blue Monday

If today feels a little heavier than usual, you’re not alone. The third Monday of January is often called Blue Monday, a day said to be the most gloomy of the year. But while the name may sound daunting, it can also be a reminder to slow down, check in with ourselves and take small steps toward feeling better. Blue Monday is thought to fall on the third Monday of January, when winter is at its deepest. The festive glow of Christmas has faded, evenings are still dark, the weather can be cold and damp and many people are feeling the pinch after holiday spending. New Year’s resolutions may already feel difficult to maintain and motivation can be at a low ebb. The term itself was coined in the mid-2000s as part of a marketing campaign and was linked to a so-called “formula” that claimed to calculate the most depressing day of the year. While that formula has no scientific basis, the feelings behind it can be real. January can be tough! Even on a grey day some small, intentional actions can make a big difference. Here are some gentle, uplifting ways to combat the January blues 🌤 Get Some Natural Light Daylight helps regulate our mood and energy levels. If you can, step outside for a short walk, even if it’s just five or ten minutes. Open your curtains wide, sit near a window, or enjoy a warm drink where the light can reach you. 🚶‍♀️ Move Your Body Kindly You don’t need an intense workout. Stretching, a relaxed walk, or even dancing to one song you love can release feel-good endorphins. ☕ Create a Small Comfort Ritual Simple pleasures matter! Light a candle, make your favourite tea or coffee, wrap yourself in a cosy jumper, or take a few minutes to read something uplifting. 📞 Reach Out to Someone Connection is one of the most powerful mood boosters. A quick text, a phone call, or a shared laugh can help remind us that we’re not facing things alone. If you’re struggling, talking about it can ease the weight. 📝 Be Gentle With Your Expectations January doesn’t have to be about drastic change or perfect resolutions. It’s okay if your goals are evolving or if today is simply about getting through. 🌱 Do One Small Positive Thing Focus on one achievable action today. Drink a glass of water, tidy one small space, step outside, or write down one thing you’re grateful for. Small wins build momentum. Blue Monday may have started as a label, but it has become an opportunity to talk openly about mental wellbeing, especially during the darker months. Feeling low doesn’t mean you’re failing, it means you’re human. Brighter days are ahead and sometimes the most important thing we can do is take care of ourselves right where we are. You’ve got this 💙