"Blue Monday" January 15th
With Blue Monday coming up on January 15th this year, Canadian Mental Health Association offers these tips and activities to help shake off the winter blues. Blue Monday is often referenced as "The Most Depressing Day" of the year but there is no scientific basis for “Blue Monday”. However, there is no denying the winter blues are very much real to most of us.
With the holidays behind us and several more months of colder, greyer and shorter days of winter ahead, people may find themselves lacking energy and feeling “blue.”
Winter blues is a term that is commonly used to describe a mild form of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and is characterized by a general feeling of low energy and mood.
Research suggests that 15 per cent of Canadians will experience the winter blues in their lifetime, versus SAD, a serious form of depression that affects about 2 to 3 per cent of the population.
Here are a few tips to help kick the winter blues:
Let the (natural) light in: Spend time outdoors during daylight hours doing a favourite activity and arrange indoor environments that give you maximum sunlight. For example, keep curtains open during the day to allow natural light in your living space. Move furniture around to sit near a window.
Try something new: Maintain social connections. Spend time with friends and family. Join clubs or groups with activities you enjoy.
Take a walk: Exercise relieves stress, builds energy and increases mental and physical well-being. Make a habit of taking a daily noon-hour walk. The activity and increased exposure to natural light can raise spirits.
Make a colourful meal: Healthy eating has been shown to benefit mental as well as physical health. Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Limit the intake of sugary and processed foods.
Reach out for help: To anyone struggling with mental health and addiction, please reach out. Help is always available and CMHA North Bay and District is here with our programs and services.
Remember to make your well-being a top priority. It is especially important during the winter months when the lack of sunlight can impact your mood. If you find that your symptoms are significantly affecting your daily life, contact CMHA North Bay and District at 705-476-4088 for professional advice on ways to manage and improve your mental health.
For more helpful tips about the winter blues and SAD, check out the Centre for Innovation in Campus Mental Health’s The Winter Blues: A guide for students.
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About Canadian Mental Health Association, North Bay and District
A not-for-profit charitable organization, Canadian Mental Health Association, North Bay and District is this area’s leading provider of community mental health, addiction, and peer support services. We are affiliated with a network of CMHA branches across Ontario and CMHA’s provincial division and are governed by a volunteer board of directors. Our mission is to promote wellness and empower individuals to achieve their full potential by providing collaborative supports and advocacy.