5 Tips to Freeze Out Blue Monday

And Beat the Winter Blahs!

We are two thirds of the way through January, and in Toronto with -14 feeling like -20 plus, freezing our way towards the saddest day of the year. Blue Monday as it's referred to was actually a 2005 press release from Sky Travel (a vacation company) which claimed to have calculated the equation using a specific (non scientific) formula, to conclude the third Monday in January to be the saddest day of the year.

Whether it's actually true or hype there is no denying as we inch towards the end of
January that the bounce in our step and cheerful mood from all the sparkly luster of Christmas and the holiday season has been replaced with dragging ourselves out of bed to carry on with life's day-to-day activities.  Mix in the credit card bills popping up on your screen and/ in mail box, having to bundle up, clothes feeling a little tighter from all the holiday indulgence, lack of vitamin D (sunshine), and it's no wonder we are all feeling a little blue.  And while we can't control the weather, there are a few things we can do to lift our spirits and mood, while we (not so) patiently wait the arrival of spring.

5 Ways to Freeze Out the Monday Blues & Winter Blahs

Keep a Gratitude Journal: When we are not feeling our best or things are not going the way we would like, it can feel like everything is worse than it is. When you take a few moments each day to reflect on things that you are thankful for and write them in a journal - you are creating a reference library of all the amazing things that are good in your life. On blah days read through your gratitude journal and remind yourself all that is amazing in your life. When you feel grateful you can't help but feel happy.

Aromas: Whether it's candles, aromatherapy oils in diffusers, or a simmering pot of cinnamon sticks, orange peels, and cloves; warming scents add comfort and help to lift your mood. 

Flowers: Fresh cut flowers, or flowering plants in your home add a touch of colour to your space and you can't help but feel a little warmer and smile. I like to keep small bouquets on my bedside table, bathroom vanity, in the living room, and on my writing desk.

Get Moving: We have all heard the benefits of exercise - but if you are not a gym or fitness class person - no worries stretching, doing yoga in your living room, walking up and down the stairs are all great ways to get oxygen flowing, lift your mood and possibly losing some of the indulgence padding gained through the holidays.

Give Back: Volunteering in your community is such a great way to get you out the door, moving, and helping others. Whether it's something as simple as holding the door open for someone, smiling at a stranger, or participating in a charity organization, when you do an act of kindness it helps boost your feel good hormones. 

These are just a few of the simple things that you can incorporate into your life to keep your spirits up and smiling through the winter months. Would love for you to share in the comments what helps you freeze out the winter blahs.