I guess that's why they call it the blues! How are you?

Cher_Alumni

Today marks ‘Blue Monday’, the third Monday in January, given its unfortunate title because it is claimed to be the most depressing day of the year...

Why is today meant to be so sad?

This Independent Article tells us today is so blue because:

The theory goes that this is the time of year when we’re all cold, broke and riddled with guilt that our new year’s resolutions to get fit, drink less alcohol, and be a better human being have fallen by the wayside.

And of course in 2021, we're dealing with yet another lockdown on top of the annual January difficulties.

However, without any actual evidence to back it up, you could be forgiven for thinking Blue Monday is a PR stunt!

Beating the blues

If you are feeling down today, our community is here to support you - be it through giving you advice, having a natter or playing games.  Know you aren't alone.

If things are particularly rubbish, check out our Coping with stress, low mood and isolation support thread.  This has lots of resources to help pick you up,  while we would always recommend contacting your GP if your low mood has persisted for a while. 

How are you feeling?

• Do you want to share how you're feeling today?  
• What tips would you give to others who might be having a hard time?

Let us know in the comments below

janer1967

I'm feeling good today but I do most of time 

I could dwell on the things I can no longer do but it wouldn't change anything so I focus on doing what I can do to the best of my ability 

My tip is to give yourself some me time however you ho about that to recharge things like 

Reading,  music   tv  hot bath   facial   manicure chatting to friends 

66Mustang

I only have one main tip which is to do something about the reason you are feeling low, however this isn’t always possible as you aren’t always in control of what is making you feel low.

It’s relevant if you are feeling low because of your job or you are in debt, you can do something about stuff like that, but if it’s caused by something you can’t control like a disability that can’t be fixed, I’m not really sure what you can do to ease the feeling of lowness.

I would be interested to hear what tips other people have to share.

Cher_Alumni

janer1967 said:

I'm feeling good today but I do most of time 

I could dwell on the things I can no longer do but it wouldn't change anything so I focus on doing what I can do to the best of my ability 

My tip is to give yourself some me time however you ho about that to recharge things like 

Reading,  music   tv  hot bath   facial   manicure chatting to friends 

Loving the positivity there @janer1967 There's definitely something to be said for having that time out purely doing what makes you happy. In my case, that's watching the Real Housewives of Cheshire, in the bath, while I have a sheet face mask on 

Cher_Alumni

66Mustang said:

I only have one main tip which is to do something about the reason you are feeling low, however this isn’t always possible as you aren’t always in control of what is making you feel low.

It’s relevant if you are feeling low because of your job or you are in debt, you can do something about stuff like that, but if it’s caused by something you can’t control like a disability that can’t be fixed, I’m not really sure what you can do to ease the feeling of lowness.

I would be interested to hear what tips other people have to share.

@66Mustang Absolutely spot on. There's a saying, which I'm sure to misquote, along the lines of most of our unhappiness doesn't come from events but our reaction to them.  Now this clearly isn't always the case, say when you encounter barriers that disable you, but I know I've made things worse in the past by ruminating on elements beyond my control 

I'd recommend people listen to uplifting podcasts as a means of countering sad thoughts and putting them into perspective.  Eckhart Tolle speaks a lot of spiritual wisdom (in my opinion) so try giving him a listen

66Mustang

@Cher_Scope that’s a really good quote actually and I would tend to agree with it, the way I react to stuff definitely has a bearing on how it affects me, I am guilty of doing the same as you in the past as well, but I try to take bad news pragmatically and philosophically these days

Thanks for the recommendation, he sounds quite interesting

Another quote I like which is along similar lines (which I am sure I will also get the words slightly wrong) is that your life is like being dealt some playing cards - if you get dealt a rubbish hand you can still achieve stuff by playing your hand well

[Deleted User]

Not really done much all day, just watched TV and made a few calls on the mobile.

leeCal

Sometimes feeling down Has a biochemical origin. Chocolate could help but is obviously not that healthy to indulge in too often, luckily though we do have a simple exercise which actually releases endorphins and feel good chemicals and that is smiling. Even when alone smiling can help in this way. 

Another way to release those endorphins is through physical exercise whether smiling or not. ???

Cress

@woodbine you need to order yourself one of those long roller poles...and next time, just look out the window when you eat your breccy  lol

[Deleted User]

The user and all related content has been deleted.

BrettW

It was my birthday yesterday and the day I had my phone assessment. Started off with a lot of stress waiting to have the assessment but my partner made sure the rest of my day was great so it wasn't a 'Blue Monday' for me overall

leeCal

Belated happy birthday @BrettW ?

vikingqueen

   Happy yesterday birthday @BrettW

Richard_Scope

Listen to Blue Monday by New Order very loud! Chase the blues away.

BrettW

thanks for the birthday wishes all

66Mustang

I hope you had a good birthday @BrettW

BrettW

66Mustang said:

I hope you had a good birthday @BrettW

I did. Treated myself to a day of eating things I shouldn't really and am paying for it today lol

66Mustang

Ha ha I do that every day, well not so much this year, trying not to 

Cher_Alumni

Ahhh happy belated birthday @BrettW Glad to hear your partner made it a happy one for you!

BrettW

thanks @Cher_Scope

leeCal

Smiling is good for you
https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/cutting-edge-leadership/201206/there-s-magic-in-your-smile