Blue Monday or ‘the most depressing day of the year’ is the name given to the third Monday in January. In English ‘blue’ also means sadness or depression. The reputation is associated with cold weather, gloomy days, post-holiday blues, low spirits once the holidays are over, poor financial situation once the holidays are over, pressure to keep up with year-end resolutions, and the list goes on. Blue Monday or post-holiday depression has been linked to seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Studies show that gloomy weather, short days, poor exposure to sunlight and temperature fluctuations are factors that negatively impact mood. Lack of sunlight blocks the functioning of the hypothalamus, which favors the production of melatonin, a hormone associated with sleepiness. At the same time, insufficient sunlight, lack of physical activity due to bad weather and emotional eating all decrease serotonin production. Serotonin deficiency increases irritability, increases anxiety, impairs sleep and concentration.
Blue Monday or how to use seasonal depression to your advantage
It’s essential to combat sadness in small, steady steps before it flares up. So what are the enemies of Blue Monday syndrome?
- Experiment with alternative relaxation therapies
Massage is welcome after workouts or hyperactive days with intense exertion. Massage therapy helps boost serotonin, releases endorphins, increases joint and muscle mobility. In addition, it improves body posture and relaxes the most ”stressed” area of the body: the neck-shoulder area.
Discover the benefits of Japanese Fujiiryoki massage chairs and invest in your long-term health. Correct body posture is among those factors that contribute to your overall mental state. People suffering from panic attacks are most encouraged to correct their posture. Sitting upright frees up the airway and the ribcage and ribs don’t press on the lungs as they do when you sit with your back bent. Alongside massage you can also adopt additional alternative therapies such as yoga or tai chi.
- Replaces the comfort of the couch with walking
Did you know that you’re exposed to sunlight even on dreary days when the sky is overcast? A walk in the park or an outing in nature can be ideal opportunities for your body to get vitamin D. Vitamin D deficiency is the most under-diagnosed vitamin deficiency worldwide.
Very low levels of vitamin D are especially common in patients diagnosed with depression or other mental disorders. Studies show that diet and dietary supplements that include vitamin D positively influence neurons, synapses and reduce oxidative stress.
Combat vitamin D deficiency through diet and even short-term sun exposure. What’s more, physical movement stimulates blood flow, oxygenates the brain and improves general health.
- Eat serotonin-friendly plants
Studies have shown that serotonin is found in over 90 species and about 40 plant families. You can put your morning coffee on hold and start the day with a fragrant cup of tea with these miracle herbs. For a better state of mind choose to make herbal drinks such as Camellia sinensis, ginger, lemongrass, rooibos, St. John’s wort, turmeric or valerian. These nootropic herbs provide the body with active compounds such as valerenic acid, curcumin, L-theanine, quercetin and quercitrin that boost serotonin production.
Basically, Blue Monday can be considered a feature of clinical depression, seasonal disorders or the body’s struggle to readjust to the daily pre-holiday schedule. Fortunately, there are a number of effective solutions designed to lift our spirits even on the ”bluest day of the year”. January is the perfect time to discover a new hobby or implement a list of healthy habit resolutions.
