3 Tips to Beat the Blues this Blue Monday!

It’s cold and dark. Festive fun has faded into the dim and distant past and the rays of summer seem a million miles away, making mid January  a hot zone of sadness and depression. Here are three things you can do to shake things up and beat the blues this January.

1. Get some vitamin D

The skin creates vitamin D when exposed to UV rays from the sun and in the depths of mid January in Scotland, we all know the sun is hiding! We need vitamin D for bone and cell growth, as well as immune function among others. The great news is you can get more vitamin D through the foods you eat. Sources include oily fish and fortified dairy, juices or cereals. Or take a vitamin D supplement.

2. Dance like no one’s watching!

Shake up your physiology and move your body. Tony Robbins in ‘Awaken the Giant Within’ goes as far as to say that each emotion is linked to the way we move our body. So a slouched posture will lead to slouchy emotions, like sadness and depression. Put on your favourite song or video and dance like no one’s watching! We highly recommend singing into your hair brush while you are at it for maximum impact.

 

3. Call a friend

Over the festive period we can get really busy with various functions and events and at the same time trying to finish up work projects. That email from your old school pal goes unanswered. Or you didn’t get the chance to call your aunty back. Make a point to connect with people who care about you. Reach out to those in your social circle who make you feel good. Being a part of a community where we feel accepted and approved off fosters feelings of wellbeing.

HJ Blenkinsop PhD is a writer, researcher, web tinkerer, social media meddler, mythology nut, world traveler, and author of Story Master and The Penny Well. She also blogs about life on Chicken Road and is committed to the pursuit of happiness! @hjblenkinsop