From Blue Monday to Brighter Days: Tips to Lift Your Spirit
Blue Monday is regarded as the most depressing day of the year. Blue Monday isn’t backed by scientific fact to be the most depressing day of the year. But it still symbolises a time when many of us feel a bit down than normal. This day usually falls on the third Monday in January. It’s no surprise that it could be reasoned as the most depressing day because the festive mood is gone, the holiday has ended, and we are back to the old reality. It’s also a mix of cold weather, the holiday bills start coming in, and you have probably started breaking your New Year’s resolutions. While this is the reality for most people in Canada, you can still turn things around and move from a Blue Monday to Brighter Days ahead.
In this blog, we will look at simple tips to lift your spirit today and for the rest of the year. Let’s get started!
Signs of a Low Mood
Feeling low can manifest in different ways, such as feeling tired, losing interest in activities you usually enjoy, or just feeling irritated or sensitive. You may also feel lonely and angry for reasons you can’t place your fingers on.
But there’s a difference between feeling down for a while and more serious mental health issues. If you discover that you are feeling this way more frequently, it may be a sign of something more serious like depression or anxiety. But if your worries or concerns are as a result of financial stress, you may see yourself feeling this way often until you resolve the issue. You may have been having slight worries about your finances in the past, but if it keeps getting worse due to overwhelming high-interest debt, you should speak with one of our debt experts at EmpireOne Credit. You will get tailored advice and get your worries behind you.
If you’re feeling a temporary low mood on a Blue Monday, you can give it time. Take a walk, listen to good music, drink water, and eat one of your favorite meals. In no time, you will start to feel better. Let’s talk about this more in the next heading.
Simple and Effective Mood-Lifting Tips for Blue Monday
Physical activity is a great tool when it comes to improving your mood this Blue Monday. You don’t have to run for 4 hours or do very intense workouts. Walking in the park or jogging for a few minutes can do the magic. Exercise releases endorphins which is a natural body’s mood lifter. Likewise, you may want to look into your diet. Eating a balanced diet with lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein can provide you with the nutrients your body needs to function at its best. Also, remember to stay hydrated.
Lastly, don’t underestimate what sunlight and fresh air can do. Exposure to natural light, especially in the morning, can improve your mood and regulate your sleep patterns.
Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques
Mindfulness can be effective in managing a low mood. It’s all about living in the moment, to process your thoughts and feelings without beating yourself up. It’s about you trying to figure out yourself because no one will do that for you. This exercise will help you feel the right emotions, rather than having mixed feelings that lead to confusion and anxiety. Are you worried about your finances, or angry about it? You need a clear answer to this and you need to snap out of the mood soon enough.
Meditation and breathing exercises are also great tools for relaxation and mental clarity. A simple technique is to focus on your breath, inhale for a count of four, hold for four, and exhale for four. This can help reduce feelings of anxiety and bring about a sense of calm.
Staying Connected
Humans are not wired to be alone, we are social beings. When you’re feeling down, you may be tempted to withdraw from people, but it may not help unless it has worked for you in the past. Try and stay in touch with people who care about you so they can give you an emotional lift. Connect with them on video calls, chats, phone calls, etc.
Speak With a Debt Expert and Get Rid of Overwhelming Debt
Feeling down and worried about your finances is not peculiar to you. A lot of people are also feeling this, especially since it’s Blue Monday. It’s okay to do your best in managing your finances and debt by yourself. But when it starts to get uncomfortable and burdensome, don’t carry that weight all alone. Getting help doesn’t imply that you have bowed to defeat or are a weak person. Imagine you’re carrying four laundry bags and someone comes close to help you carry two, you will feel a lot better and you will be thankful. When you speak with one of our debt experts at EmpireOne Credit, you can reduce your debt by up to 80%, and interest will stop immediately. Don’t let this Blue Monday weigh you down. Call us at (416) 900-2324 to schedule a free consultation with us. Being debt-free feels good!