Today is Blue Monday. The most depressing day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. According to pretend, made up, pseudoscience. In other words ... the Internet.
The absolute HILARITY of declaring THIS as the most depressing day of what has already been an almost hysterically depressing succession of never-ending depressing days in itself is enough to put me in a good mood.
But to reiterate - today is Blue Monday, said to be the most depressing day of the year.
And here is how it started.
How Blue Monday Began.
In 2005, the television station Sky Travel sent out a press release that was a little loosey goosey in the fact checking department. According to a bit of pseudoscience they came upon, they wrote up and sent out a press release declaring the third Monday in January as the most depressing day of the year.
As a travel channel that also sold holidays, they were looking to make people so acutely aware of their depression that they'd clamour to book a weekend jaunt somewhere.
Sky Travel went out of business 5 years later, on what the same pseudoscience named "The happiest day of the year.", June 24th.
The whole Blue Monday thing was based on some report done by some guy. Actually Cliff Arnall is his name. He is the one who developed a formula for predicting the most dismal of all days.
The equation he developed for determining the most depressing day of the year included information on weather conditions, debt level, time since Christmas, time since failing your New Year’s resolutions, and low motivation levels.
He kind of thought of his research as an upbeat piece of literature. Motivational even!
NO ONE ELSE THOUGHT THAT.
The idea of "Blue Monday" was instantly shared relentlessly on the Internet with people flapping their arms warning about the impending doom of the day to come.
Cliff Arnall actually went so far as to apologize for his research saying he didn't want anyone to focus on being sad or depressed in January. Everyone should be happy! See it as a chance to try new things. Wear funny hats or something.
He's since taken part in a January campaign called "Screw it, Let's Do It." with Virgin Airlines encouraging people to yup ... take whirlwind vacations.
I'll let that just sit with you for a moment.
Even though I don't believe this is in fact the most depressing day of the year, or that such a thing exists, (unless you count those days you get all the way to the grocery store before remembering you don't have a mask ) I can attest to the fact that January really can be kind of icky. And dull and lacklustre and yes, a little bit depressing.
You don't need a vacation to boost your Blue Monday mood though. I've done some research and come up with 10 things you can do TODAY, maybe even right now, to fool yourself into thinking today is as happy a day as ... June 24th.
How to Boost Your Mood on Blue Monday
- DECLUTTER
Getting rid of junk and especially making your office or bedroom more organized is scientifically proven to put you in a good mood. Real science. Not Internet science.
2. COMPLIMENT SOMEONE
This is one of those weird things where you're doing something for someone else but it makes you feel good. Like when you give a really good present. Only this doesn't cost any money and make the person feel better about their day too.
Go out into the world and compliment a random stranger. If you think their hair is nice tell them, if you think it was admirable they picked garbage up off the street and put it in the trash tell them, if you think they have the loveliest accent you've ever heard, say it out loud. Easy, right??
3. PAY FOR SOMEONE'S COFFEE
This is along the same lines as complimenting someone but it involves coffee. And no compliment. If you're in the drive through or in line for a coffee today pay for a coffee for someone. The person in front of you, behind you, it doesn't matter. Just maybe try not to get the guy placing an order for his entire office building 'cause a $3.50 favour will enhance your mood, a $35 one might not.
4. BUY YOURSELF FLOWERS OR A PLANT
Researchers at Rutgers University found that:
"simply being in the presence of flowers was found to elevate mood significantly, measurably increase feelings of life satisfaction, and promote positive social behavior."
In fact flowers are so effective at making some people feel happy that they're a viable treatment for mild depression, anxiety and stress.
5. GET OUTSIDE IN THE (HOPEFULLY, EVEN JUST A TINY SLIVER OF IT) SUN.
I don't think I have to explain this one to you. The sun is good for you. It makes you feel betterrrrrrrr. Now if you're in the Northern Hemisphere you probably won't be relaxing in a chair watering your vegetable garden but you can get outside to take a walk around your garden. Or even just walk around the block. The point is get outside and if the sun is out even better.
In the fall and winter you can get your Vitamin D from supplements. The recommended dosage is to take 1,000 IU a day during the fall and winter to supplement the loss of sunlight.
6. EXERCISE
There are two ways that exercise makes you feel great. Three if you think you look good in your exercise outfit! Firstly, exercise increases endorphins, those little hormones that give you a high in the same vein as morphine. Secondly, exercise gives you a feeling of ass kicking accomplishment.
7. EAT MOOD BOOSTING FOODS
Like you need an excuse to eat cheese. Ha! -Tryptophan which you probably know as the ingredient in turkey that makes you tired is really making you relaxed. It's also found in proteins like fish, chicken, cottage cheese, nuts, cheeeeeeese, eggs, and beans.
Walnuts, kiwi, bananas, sour cherries, pineapple, tomatoes, and plums are all naturally high in serotonin which is a hormone (or neurotransmitter - the jury is still out on WHAT it is exactly) that makes you feel good.
So plan on a lunch or dinner that includes these ingredients!
8. MEDITATE OR BOOK A YOGA CLASS (virtual of course)
Meditate your blues away. It's true. It helps. Don't know how to meditate or think it's for hippie weirdos? Try taking a yoga class today. Yoga will help your mood too.
9. GET A MASSAGE
The benefits of massage are twofold. Human touch like massage and hugs naturally make you feel good. But even just massaging your own shoulders and neck can make you happy.
10. SMILE
Even a fake smile, like my ode to Brooke Shields in grade 6, can fool your brain into thinking you're actually happy. So even if you don't feel happy a fake flash of teeth can make it true.
Now that you've perused this photo I'm going to assume you're genuinely smiling. Or laughing hysterically. Either way you're well on your way to a Happy Monday.
** coming soon! If you liked this, you're going to love my new project. ** coming soon!
Linda
Just "Thankyou" you make me smile 😁😁
Scout
A big Yes to every point you made. I find that if I act the way I want to feel...the feeling comes along after. I didn't feel like shoveling snow-Buffalo, NY snow belt-but my parents need that to happen. So, I was outside, burning calories, thinking whatever I wanted and the shoveling made me happy. I just put flowers on my shopping list for Mom and Dad. You are so right. And tomorrow, I'll shovel, shop, and make us soup.
susang
great suggestions, plus i'm going to get some vitamin D3 -can't hurt. new ring?
Marilyn Meagher
My drawers will never look like this. I bought myself a plant today , three actually and i compliment people all the time. It makes them and me feel good. And I smile a lot. Naturally..and that pic is so funny. I never realized how much Jeff looks like you!
Kate
Karen,
Thank you, thank you, thank you for being here on this Monday!
Sending you big hugs from Boston, MA
Kate
PS: would it be ok with you if I copied and framed the picture of you riding a chicken?
Thank you in advance.
-k
Deja View
Can we talk about the t-shirt drawer? How did you roll those? Or? My lord. Makes mine look like I wad them up and run over them before putting them away. Demo please!
Petra
Great list! I'm taking my cheese outside to do battle with the climbing roses and blackberry vines...putting on the gauntlets and armour. Soft Warrior asana. Requires mental focus to insert the clippers just so, and withdraw just so to not get hung up in the thorns. Focus. Thrust and parry (fencing term).
Your smile pic was the best. Had me remembering what it was like to be in Grade Six.
Mary W
The true secret to happiness? Being able to laugh at yourself - I certainly will be happy for the rest of my life with all I've managed to do and laugh at! However laughing at your pictures and words is an endlessly 'happy' way to start my day, also. Thank you!
Pamela Roberts
Damn Girl,
You grow big chickens up there!
Nancy Ann
What I was thinking - where'd she get that great big chicken!....English saddle and outfit, heels down and all that. I'll bet that chicken is not that much fun to ride....running around and clucking...looking for worms...won't keep her head up...
Stan Nowak
This just put a smile on my face just reading -- that and the pic of you as a chicken jockey!
Barbara Kemp
Impressive drawer styling!!! Does it stay that way?
Karen
Yep! ~ karen
Jude
My girl has got her snark ON!
I am loving the irreverence in your recent posts. Please please keep it up.
Kare Chambers
Thanks for all the tips Karen! Yes, my name is Karen too!! I particularly liked what you said about getting outdoors and getting our daily dose of vitamin D. In the winter months, I do take vitamin D supplements and they help! I suffer from depression anyway so that, combined with sunshine really gives me the boost I need. I remember the 6th grade picture day. What fun! Thanks again for your great tips!
Ella
Omg your hair in Grade 6! How gorgeous! And did we ride together? You’ve got that A circuit hunter hair down pat! LOL I have the cutest puppy who makes me laugh every day with his silly antics. Blue Monday??!!?? Pfffft!! Thanks for the laugh this morning Karen!
Tara
Thanks for the cute read! I AM smiling...even when my toddler woke me up at 5:45am! Yay!
P.S. You’re a great writer! So much personality in your words...thank you sharing! #girlfan☺️
Karen
Thanks Tara. :) I appreciate you saying that. ~ karen!
Beth Bilous
Is that the Marie Kondo way of folding T shirts? Looks so damn good, NOW I will try it.
Karen
It is and I have to say it's not quite as picture perfect, but the drawer still looks like that and it's easy to maintain! ~ karen
Jane
You on a chicken! What more do we need!
👍♥
Jen Thurston
Hazel eyes???? Do we have blue contacts?
Kirsten
Pretty sure the picture is just old and probably somewhat discoloured.
Karen
No, lol. It's just an aged photo where everything is yellowed and darkened a bit. ~ karen!
Kate
I'm in a better mood just reading this post. Didn't realize how much I missed your posts. This made my day. Looking forward to whatever is to come.
Karen
:) ~ karen!
Neva
Well, thank you for making my good, relaxed monday even better. Btw, your hair didn't make me lough but envy you :). Extra points for the war-chicken.