A Future Human’s Guide To Getting Through Blue Monday
Let’s be clear about this fad to begin with – Blue Monday is not a thing.
Created by Sky Travel in 2005 as part of a press release, it is simple pseudoscience to help create PR buzz around products that would never normally get the spotlight (see also: many companies I worked for in the past).
There is zero evidence to back up the notion that the third Monday of January is the most depressing day of the year, but yet here we are – making it trend on Twitter all over again.
If you are worried about your mental health, there are plenty of people to talk to - but please do not bottle it up. Whether you’re more for Mind or prefer the Samaritans, talk to someone.
However, I do have my own ways to cope and support my mental health in general. Please do take these and give them a go on any day of the year.
Watch Friends
Yes. I went there. With its recent reintroduction on Netflix, me and my girlfriend have been watching this show relentlessly, currently breezing through season 4. To go forward, sometimes, we have to go back and there’s no better place to go back to than the high-trousered, relationship-defining adventures of Friends.
It could be any show – How I Met Your Mother and Scrubs are two other firm favourites of mine, but the ease of access to Friends made it a simpler decision.
Scientific evidence linking TV sitcoms to happiness is incredibly thin on the ground, but personal experience indicates nothing quite beats sitting down to some light-hearted entertainment.
Even the ripples that expand from the session itself cause happiness, from the sense of anticipation to the companionable, social aspect of TV watching. Message a friend, tell them to get the pizza in and set time aside tonight. Hell, even if your friends are busy (welcome to the adult life), kick back with a hot slice yourself and enjoy.
Walk. Work that smartphone step counter hard
The moment I started walking regularly, luckily finding a job that was within distance for a nice walk to and from the office, my mood began to improve drastically. Breaking away from the humdrum of driving commutes, or the sheer awkwardness of avoiding gazes on public transport reduced my daily anxiety dramatically.
It gives you a chance to breathe, refresh your mind and place your mental self in the right state for the upcoming day. In fact, exercise is scientifically proven to boost endorphins. And while I get it’s rather cold to walk in these wintry months, but you will not regret it.
My worst moments are always tied with having bad commutes or lacking the time to really process the working world around me. Walking is the simplest chance to do so.
Refuse to be a part of this #BlueMonday discussion
Mute the damn hashtag, or just put your phone away for a while! The amount of brands that I have seen utilise this trend to sell you stuff is, quite frankly, disgusting.
Whether it’s a competition, an invitation to tweet something nice, an opportunity to pick up a discounted gym membership, or one former employee’s silly promo to turn Blue Monday into a “Green Tea Monday,” just say no to this hideous form of pseudoscientific marketing.
And just for emphasis (and because seeing social media fails make me smile), here are some of the worst offenders who are seeking to profit off this hashtag that touches on mental health.
