The 3^rd Monday in January is known as “Blue Monday” and I’m not sure how you are feeling on this Monday morning but I hope you are choosing happiness

Blue Monday got its name from Dr Cliff Arnall, a British psychologist. He said that this was the most depressing day of the year. This is mainly due to it following Christmas and New Year celebrations and January can seem quite flat. Bank statements arrive, old anxieties and worries may creep in, resolutions are being broken and the days are short and cold.

Blue Monday was also used as a marketing ploy by a travel company to encourage people to book holidays during the month of January. 

The thing is we can feel sad or blue on any day of the year depending on what is going on in our lives at that time. Equally we can choose to be happy whatever day it is and we don’t have to fall into the “blue Monday” trap.   

Here in the northern hemisphere the days are still cold and short but if you take time to look around you there is so much beauty and promise ahead. 

Just step outside and you can hear the dawn chorus which gradually becomes louder as Spring approaches and more birds migrate to raise their young. Snowdrops are in bloom and to me it is a sign that brighter things are on their way. Life is full of promise. The days are also getting longer minute by minute. 

Just look and feel for the magic. It really is all around if you take the time to stop and listen. 

Every one of us is very different and will experience life differently but there is always something we can do to lift our mood and my top tips are

Go outside – just going outside for a walk and breathing in fresh air can make a big difference to our emotions and how we feel. It is a great stress reliever and great for clearing the mind. 

Smile -when you smile your body releases happy hormones; endorphins, dopamine and serotonin which will improve your sense of well-being and if you smile at someone else, watch their face light up and smile back. Spread some happiness with a smile.

Music – make your own “happy playlist” all your favourite upbeat songs, ones that bring back happy memories or that you want to dance to.

Dance – as well as improving your mood and lowering stress levels but dancing also has health benefits such as improving blood circulation and cardio vascular health. 

Eat Healthily – make home-made smoothies, green ones are good this time of year as they are packed with lots of goodness and will help to keep you healthy as colds and ‘flu’s do the rounds. 

Declutter – January is a great time to go through things that are no longer needed. This takes time too and your mind will soon become occupied.

Curl up with a good book – take advantage of the long nights and short days. It’s not necessary to spend a fortune, libraries and charity shops have a wide selection of books and you will be supporting them at the same time.

Get organised –  now is the perfect time to take a look at bank statements and see where savings can be made, cancelling any  direct debits and standing orders for services you no longer use. If you have a few you can set up another direct to a savings account. Then this can be used for something special.

So whatever day of the year you are reading this I wish you happiness in your day. If you are feeling blue or not quite yourself try some of the above suggestions to lift your mood or maybe share your tips. I would love to know what you do to lift your mood.