This past Monday was the third Monday of January, commonly referred to as Blue Monday. January is a tough month for many people. Holidays are over. The holiday bills are pouring in. The days are short and cold. Resolutions have already been broken. January actually has a higher suicide rate than Christmas for these reasons coupled with the fact that depressed people usually don’t take their lives at the depth of their depression, which the holidays can cause for various reasons, but a little while later when they are feeling a little better. This may seem odd but in the depths of depression, a person has no energy, not even enough to plan their demise.
Lovely way to start a post, is it not? As much as many of us would like to believe that we can be above the downs in our life, the truth is we all have them to different degrees. As “enlightened” beings we try to get past it, to pretend these times don’t happen or affect us. I hate to be the bearer of bad news. It needs to be said – if you ignore it, it will only get worse!
When you get the blues, no matter the time of year, there are some things to do to get past it.
- Identify that you’re feeling down. Acceptance is always the first step to recovery!
- Seek out the source of your feeling. What has changed? What isn’t going according to plan? What hurts or needs have you been holding onto and not expressing? Where are you stuck?
- Acknowledge the underlying reason for your blues and take clear action steps to get past it. Modify your plans or correct your course to get better results. Do something new. Say what you need to say.
Once you’ve taken these steps, there are some things you can do regularly to keep you feeling better.
- Even in darkest times, look for the good. It’s there if you are willing to find it.
- Keep active. Physical activity fights the blues and you will feel better in general.
- Ban the negative. When negative thoughts come into your head, get in the habit of saying “thank you for sharing, I’m up to something else.” Distance yourself from people who bring you down.
- Laugh. No matter how you’re feeling, finding a way to laugh will switch your mood automatically. You may have to put yourself into a situation to get you to the laughter place, and isn’t it worth it? Watch a funny movie or a comic, hang out with little children, call your hilarious friend.
- Pick up a copy of The Book of Awesome or go to author Neil Pasricha’s website to be reminded of all the “simple, brilliant things” that surround us.
- Celebrate. We all have goals. We all have things large and small we want to accomplish. Be sure to celebrate even the smallest steps toward your goals. It may be a long road so enjoy the journey.
- Remember, nothing is permanent. This too shall pass.
It’s time to banish Blue Monday, whether it happens in January or July on a Monday or a Saturday, find ways to keep your mood up and to acknowledge and move forward when you do feel less than your best.
Have a PURRfect day!
Hugs, Christie – The Bad Kitty