Blue Monday was first coined by Dr. Cliff Arnall in 2005, a life coach and psychologist who created a formula to determine the most depressing day of the year. He concluded that it was the third Monday of January because of the bad weather in the UK, long nights, and the aftermath of the festive season (post-Christmas buzz and already failed New Year’s resolutions). A bit bleak innit?

But fear not, we’ve compiled some fun ways for you to get through this Blue Monday that are either completely free to do or very affordable!

Sip on positivi-TEA

There’s nothing like starting your day with a warm cuppa. It could be an energising cup of coffee, or a calming chamomile tea – whichever you prefer, there’s no denying the benefits of a steaming-hot morning drink (especially when it’s cold out!).

Move your body

Exercise is not only important for your health or a resolution for weight loss, it’s also great for boosting energy and improving your mood – and we could all do with that this Blue Monday. There are many free apps and online videos for you to get fitness inspiration and instruction from. If you don’t have any equipment or a gym membership, then try a bodyweight workout at home like yoga or HIIT.  

Read affirmations and inspirational quotes

Instead of scrolling through the atrocities of the news or seeing influencers flash their “rich” lifestyles on social media, search for positive affirmations and encouraging quotes throughout your Blue Monday. Here are a few:

“I have all I need to make today a good day”

“I have a lot to be grateful for”

“I love myself”

“Out of the mountain of despair, a stone of hope.” – Martin Luther King Jr.

“If you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.” – Dolly Parton

Call a loved one

You may have seen many family and friends during the festive season, but sometimes the excitement and busyness of the day can prevent real conversations and catch-ups from happening. So, why not ring a special friend or family member and see how they’re doing, laugh about the craziness of the celebrations and share what you hope to achieve and do in 2022.

Get outside

The weather may be grim, but if it’s not pouring down with rain then put on a coat and go for a walk outside – the fresh air will do you some good. If you live near a park, make your way there and enjoy a stroll surrounded by nature during your lunch break. Or if you don’t have much time, then a quick stretch of your legs down the street will do wonders as well.

Take a nap

If you’ve got a flexible schedule then plan a nap for your Blue Monday, because these mid-day snoozes aren’t just beneficial to kids. For adults, naps can help you relax, reduce fatigue, increase alertness and improve your mood. For the best nap, keep it short and set an alarm to wake you up in the next 10 to 20 minutes. Make sure to nap before 3pm as later than that can disrupt your night-time sleep. If possible, take your nap in a dark and quiet room for better comfort.  

Plan a delicious dinner

Looking forward to something will help keep your spirits high throughout the day, and what better to do that with than a tasty supper! Whether you choose to treat yourself to your favourite takeaway, go out to a new restaurant or decide to get creative with what you have in the fridge and freezer – make this meal worth the wait (and suited to your budget of course).

Me Time

Practicing self-care is doing anything that helps keep you mentally, physically and emotionally well. It’s basically spending time on your own doing what you love and what relaxes you to reduce anxiety, depression and stress. Draw a hot bath, read a good book, put a revitalising face mask on, meditate, listen to your favourite music, try a new podcast, or watch a heart-warming movie, to name a few.

Let us know in the comments below what fun things you plan on doing to get you through this year’s Blue Monday.