Today is what some people call “Blue Monday,” and it can be a tough day for many of us. We may feel down, unmotivated, or just a little bit blue.
The most depressing day
This is said to be the “most depressing” day of the year, since all the festive fun of a holiday season is suddenly a distant memory, our New Year’s resolutions might have failed by now, and summer seems far away. In addition, the days are still short and dark and Monday is the first day of a work week for many of us. But while Blue Monday can certainly be a difficult day, it doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom.
In fact, there are many things we can do to make the best of this day and give ourselves a much-needed mood boost. We have the power to influence our body’s chemistry, and we just need to find the ways to activate those neurotransmitters that make us feel great. Let me be your partner today and remind you that it’s okay to take care of yourself and show yourself some love.
How to beat the blues today
As a psychologist and hypnotherapist, I know that taking care of our mental health is just as important as taking care of our physical health. And one of the most important things we can do for ourselves is to practice self-love. So, if you’re feeling down today, remember that it’s okay to take a break and focus on yourself for a little while.
Here are some tips to help you beat the blues and improve your mood:
- Start the day with a positive affirmation. Look in the mirror, give yourself a smile, and tell yourself something positive. For example, “I’m enough, I’m lovable, and I’m unique.” Remind yourself of the lessons you’ve learned from the past and be excited about your future. Take a moment to reflect on all the things you love about yourself. Think about your unique talents and skills, your kind heart, and all the things that make you special. And then remind yourself that you deserve to be loved, not just by others, but by yourself as well.I have a habit to repeat this exercise in the morning as it’s a great way to start a day. Consider making it your daily habit too, and you’ll see that soon you’ll feel so much better about yourself.
- Get outside: The fresh air and sunlight can work wonders for your mood, so try to get outside for at least 30 minutes, even if it’s just for a walk around the block.
- Pick up your New Year’s resolutions again. Don’t beat yourself up for taking a break from them. Instead, be kind to yourself and reflect on what you’ve learned from past experiences. Consider if you set your goals too high or are trying to achieve too much too quickly. You may benefit from finding an accountability partner who can help and encourage you as you work towards your goals.
- Connect with others. Feeling isolated can contribute to feelings of depression, so make an effort to connect with others. Call a friend, have lunch with a colleague, or join a group of like-minded individuals.
- Take a cold shower. This may sound daunting, but it can actually be invigorating. You can start with warm water, but then step out of the shower for a moment and lower the temperature. Take three deep breaths, step into the cold shower, and breathe deeply. While it may seem uncomfortable at first, the rush of cold water can help to release happy neurotransmitters, filling you with energy and clarity to make it a great day.
- Try Hypnotherapy. Hypnotherapy can be an effective tool for dealing with depression and anxiety. It works by tapping into the power of your subconscious mind to promote positive changes in your behavior and emotions. This Blue Monday, consider trying hypnotherapy to help you feel more positive and energized.
- Practice mindfulness and meditation. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed, take a few deep breaths and practice some mindfulness or meditation. There are many great apps available that can help guide you through the process and create more focus and awareness in your everyday life. Or if you’re feeling up to it, why not treat yourself to a relaxing massage or a warm bath?
Prioritize your well-being
It’s important to prioritize our mental and emotional well-being, especially on a day like this. So let’s make a commitment to give ourselves the same love and attention we give to others, and start this day with a positive and nurturing mindset. And if you need a little extra support, I invite you to download a free guided meditation I’ve created to help upgrade your beliefs and increase your overall sense of relaxation. You can find it here: https://greatmindlab.nl/gift/
Remember, you are your own best friend and ally. So on this “Blue Monday,” show yourself some love and be kind to yourself. You deserve it!
