The christmas memories fade, all we are left with gloomy weather, a return to work after weeks of partying and a scarilty low bank balance with over two weeks to go until payday.
All this reportedly creates a perfect storm for a single day believed to be the most depressing of the year which has been named ‘Blue Monday’.
Boosting your mood and helping yourself feel more positive is a great thing to do, no matter what day it is! Check out our top tips for beating the blues…
Eat these mood enhancing foods
- B vitamins: these are needed as they help to produce serotonin. Serotonin helps us feel calmer and more relaxed. B vitamins can be found in wholegrains, vegetables and legumes.
- Omega 3 fatty acids: found in oily fish, nuts and seeds, omega 3 fatty acids will help with the production on dopamine in the brain. Low dopamine levels can leave us feeling down and fatigued.
- Wholegrains: serotonin is produced when carbohydrates are eaten. Wholegrain varieties of carbohydrates allow for a slow release of energy and avoid a high release of blood glucose followed by a slump.
- Vitamin D: for a long time there has been an association between Vitamin D and mood. Aim to get out into the sunlight for a while every day and include foods like eggs, oily fish, cheese and green leafy vegetables to get your Vitamin D boost.
Move around a little more
Exercise is a natural and effective anti-anxiety treatment. It relieves tension and stress, boosts physical and mental energy, and enhances well-being through the release of endorphins. It also helps to relax the muscles and relieve tension in the body. Since the body and mind are so closely linked, when your body feels better so, too, will your mind.
Have a Laugh!
Whoever said laughter is the best medicine knew what they were talking about! Head home and put on a funny movie that make you laugh or scroll through some of the hilarious (albeit strange) content that youtube has to offer. Do it out loud, let yourself go and feel the happy vibes and the release of tension and anxiety.
Do A Good Deed
Research shows that helping other people will help to lift your mood. So do a favour for a friend, volunteer for something or even throw a little extra into the charity collection box at the store checkout. You’ll feel better for it!
Take a Moment to Be Thankful
Keeping track of the good things in life can help you put life in perspective and feel better sooner. Why not try writing down three to five things you’re thankful for—it could be the unconditional love of your pet, your best friends, the beauty of the world around you—anything that helps you see the good in life. You could also try flicking through some old photos- happy memories are sure to put a smile on your face.
