How To Beat Blue Monday

Calculating the ‘Most Depressing’ Day of the Year

The funny thing about this day, which seems like such a familiar date in the calendar, is that it was actually only named in 2005. Yes, in line with the now classic refrain ‘it was capitalism all along!’ — Blue Monday was actually coined as part of an advertising campaign for Sky Travel. Psychologist and life coach Dr Cliff Arnall developed an equation to calculate what must be the most depressing day of the year. It was a way to encourage people out of their blue funk by booking a holiday to sunnier climes. 

Ok great! It’s not real then? No Blue Monday boogeyman?

Ah, well sorry to disappoint you, but I’m afraid it might not be that simple. You see, whatever the motive of Dr. Arnall, his calculations were based on fact. And if you look at all the usual factors of January (in the Northern Hemisphere at least) there is plenty to feel a little blue about. It is cold, it is grey. Many people are recovering from the excesses both indulgence and spending-wise from the holiday season, and it’s still a good while until spring shows her sunny face.

At this point statistically, if you made resolutions, you may have ‘fallen off the wagon’ as such, by now. Whether you got sick of ‘dry Jan’ and had a cheeky beer, or have left your running shoes gathering dust, you may also be feeling guilty for not reaching the goals you set yourself. Also, lest we forget, Mondays tend to suck. 

So, yeah — Blue Monday. It’s not ‘real’. But it’s definitely real. 

How To Beat Blue Monday

And, these real January blues can significantly hold you back from starting the year the way you’d like. Luckily, we have some tried and tested tips for if they come a-knocking at your door. You can paint this month any colour you like! 

Change Starts At Home

One of the simplest ways to shake yourself out of a funk is to look around at your immediate environment. It may sound obvious, but as we’re all spending more time at home than ever, it has probably become even more important, perhaps without you even noticing. Many studies show that your immediate environment has a great impact on your mood, and with the sparkly decorations of the festive season packed away, things may feel even more drab.

Whether you rearrange the furniture — switching the angle of your bed for example, so you wake up in a ‘new’ place, buy a new lamp or rug, paint a wall with a bright new colour, or get some groovy houseplants — this can make a whole world of difference. Even if you don’t purchase or paint, just going through and having a sort out, evaluating what you have, and getting rid of the excess, is good for your home and your mind. 

Swap Blue Monday For Shroom Monday

If you’ve not already on the magic mushroom train, don’t worry! There’s always space for new psychedelic explorers on the enlightenment express. As well as being the most exciting and effective new treatment for mental health conditions such as depression and PTSD, psilocybin (the psychoactive compound in magic mushrooms and truffles) can just improve your overall feelings of well being. 

A stand alone full trip is proven to give lasting positive effects on mood, life outlook, and even kindness. If you can put aside a day or two to take the plunge into warm psychedelic waters, you should totally do it! Whether newbie or old hand check out our Tripping Guide, for everything you need to know.

If you can’t fit that big trip right now, or are nervous of going the full shroom-hog — microdosing magic mushrooms or truffles is just the ticket. A small but effective addition to your routine, microdosing is the practice of taking a mini, sub-perceptual amount of a psychedelic. You don’t feel the psychedelic hit, but you certainly get a buzz of goodness. Microdosing has become popular with everyone from working parents, to Silicon Valley tech-heads, to creatives like musicians and artists. This is because it reduces anxiety, improves mood, increases productivity and creativity and even social ability. Fight the spectre of Blue Monday by arming yourself with a microdosing routine! For everything you need to know check out our Microdosing Guide. 

Reach Out To A Friend

Feeling the January chills? There’s nothing warmer than the smile from a friend — whether in real life or via Zoom. If you want to get some warm fuzzies, it’s scientifically proven that seeing a person you care about releases the ‘feel-good’ hormones, oxytocin, dopamine, serotonin etc. On top of that, checking in on a friend is amazing because it’s a two-way good vibes street. You both get a boost from a good catch-up, whether it’s over a cup of tea, a walk, or chugging down some mojitos at happy hour. A problem shared is a problem halved, and it’s always more fun to have someone to laugh at your jokes — rather than chuckling to yourself alone in your room!

Book A Trip

OK, sure, it was an advertising ploy — ‘feeling sad? Book a holiday! Nothing was ever blue on holiday, except for those azure skies, am I riiiight?!’

But, Sky Travel was on to something, in a way. Taking a trip, even if it’s only to the next city, can make a big difference to your ‘Blue Monday’ rut. Travelling reminds you that you are free and have agency to explore. Seeing new places, people and things reinvigorates your mind — it is often the imaginary walls, rather than real ones, that keep us from branching out into something new. Book that plane! Book that train! Take that bus! You’ll come back refreshed and with new stories to tell. 

Note: we are not affiliated with any travel company! We just think holidays are nice! 

Take Care of Yourself — You’re Worth It!

At the end of the day, if you just want to hunker down, get cosy and wait out January, then that’s great too! Make your home your palace, start a new series or a new book, make a hot water bottle, and hibernate till spring time. You do you! 

Blue Monday be gone!