Blue Monday

I woke up today feeling a little down and unmotivated.  Then I heard on the news that today is known as Blue Monday, the most depressing day of the year.  Apparently it has something to do with the weather, the time elapsed since Christmas, and not following through with New Years resolutions.  I thought this was really interesting because I did indeed feel blue today, but I think the gloomy weather is the culprit for me.  Whether or not Blue Monday is the cause of your blues, check out this list for some great tips to beat the blues!

1. Get a Plant: Liven up your home or workspace by getting a plant or some fresh flowers. You will be surprised how this can immediately brighten up your mood. Check out these Indoor Bonsai Trees for some inspiration.

2. Watch a Good Movie: Watching a feel-good movie can really boost your mood. Check out these Uplifting and Happy Movies!

3. Make a Charitable Donation: Help support earthquake relief efforts in Haiti by making a donation at Hope For Haiti Now. It will make you feel great to help others who are less fortunate and remind you about the things you are grateful for in your life.

4. Have a Good Laugh: Take a look at this blog written by a woman who documents the hilarious late-night ramblings of her sleeping husband: http://sleeptalkinman.blogspot.com/. It is guaranteed to make you laugh!

5. Press Pause On Your Thoughts: Are you dwelling on something that happened in the past or worrying about something that may happen in the future? Are you repeating the same negative thoughts over and over in your mind? Bring yourself back to the present moment by taking a few deep breaths and focusing on your surroundings. Imagine whatever you are stressing about in a bubble, and watch the bubble float up into the sky. Put it out of your mind and focus on what you are doing right now.

6. Play with a Dog: Experts think that playing with a dog can increase serotonin and dopamine levels, which can make you happier, calmer, and even lower your blood pressure. If you don’t have a dog, offer to walk your friend’s dog. If you’re not a dog lover, cats have the same effect.

7. Exercise: Exercise can help elevate your mood by releasing endorphins and banish stress by creating deep physical and emotional relaxation about an hour and a half after a vigorous workout. If you don’t have time to get in a vigorous workout, try to walk more during the day. Take a few laps around the office hallway after lunch or skip the elevator and take the stairs.

8. Get Some Sun: Sunshine can instantly lift your mood as it increases setotonin levels in the brain. If you live somewhere with gloomy and gray winters, take advantage of the sunny days that are few and far between by going for a short walk outside. 15 minutes of sun exposure (with no sunscreen) will give you a much needed boost of vitamin D.

9. Try Something New: Be adventurous and try something that is outside of your comfort zone. Take salsa dance classes or sign up for a cooking class. Check out a museum or get in touch with your local chamber of commerce to get a guide of local sights and become a tourist in your own city! This will give you something to look forward to when you are feeling the blahs.

10. Help Somebody: Peform a random act of kindness for somebody you know or for a total stranger. Take a friend out to lunch or simply let a car pull out of a parking lot in front of you onto a busy street. Build up your karma and you’ll feel great about being so helpful.

Filed under: Health and Fitness

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