Blue Monday – 15th January – Ever wondered why you may get a little down around this time of the year? The cold and dark winter months can be challenging for many people and the third Monday of January (Monday 15th January 2024) is known officially as ‘Blue Monday’ earning this title as we crash from all the Christmas chaos and the New Year heights.
The origin of Blue Monday goes back to 24th January 2005 when this concept was first born in a press release from Sky Travel, where they made claims that a calculation had been made determining the most depressing day of the year. Blue Monday was formulated by combining these factors together: the weather, debt, time since Christmas, time since failing New Year’s resolutions, low motivational levels, and the feeling of a need to act.
However, this calculation was dismissed by experts as no units were defined in the calculation meaning even mathematically it made no sense at all. The origins of Blue Monday remain a topic of controversy and mystery to this day. Cliff Arnell, a former Cardiff University tutor who originally came up with this formula, openly campaigns against Blue Monday as his intention was to inspire people to better their lives rather than to provoke dread.
Even though there is no scientific evidence for Blue Monday, feeling low around this time of the year is not uncommon. Inviting more holistic approaches could be of benefit to many. Shifting negative thoughts comes with practice and one way to create a more positive mindset is to say aloud or write down all the things you are grateful for. Practising this every day can show amazing and long-lasting results. I like to finish my day by saying the things I am grateful for right before I go to sleep which has greatly affected my mindset as I wake the next day.
I have found spending as much time outside as possible during the day is a way to ease low feelings even if it’s cloudy or raining as this connects you to nature and the world. It’s normal to feel the need to stay in and hibernate during the winter months but breaking the urge to isolate is very important. Or perhaps if it’s too daunting, sitting by a window to let the natural light in can be beneficial too.
Watching what goes on outside from the window can also be a mindful experience instead of scrolling on a device or staring at a screen.
Crystals can be a great support if depression sets in especially if you feel connected to them. I find crystals to be very healing and comforting, I carry around crystals with me all the time – it adds an extra bit of strength and armour. Crystals hold tremendous positive power and a multitude of healing properties. I do believe that the crystal finds you and whatever crystal you are attracted to in the moment is what you usually need. However, if you want to know the best crystals to have around when you are trying to ease depression then keep reading!
Citrine has beautiful yellow tones like the sun which sparks positivity and combats stagnant feelings. Citrine is known as the happiest crystal in the world so keeping this stone close to you can help lift the dark clouds that may surround you.
Carnelian, known as the stone of endurance, has vibrant shades of red and orange. This crystal brings vitality and warmth for those who suffer as well as quietening an anxious mind.
Sunstone is another very uplifting and positive stone. Sunstone is the best crystal for those who suffer from seasonal affective Disorder as this stone emanates warm energy that can reach the very root of your being and overthrow any heavy feelings that may be lingering.
Lepidolite has a very soft soothing energy. This gentle stone helps heal the nervous system and bring it back to balance and harmony. If you find yourself in a pattern of burning out, then this stone is a great energy healer that can help shift suppressed thoughts and feelings.
Rose quartz is a very nurturing stone that helps bring about feelings of love, respect, compassion, and high self-worth. This delicate pink stone connects deeply to your heart and can help restore trust and harmony during troubled times.
I have found that the new year brings a lot of expectation to be on the right path. During this time of the year, it’s a time for introspection and reflection. Reflecting upon the year that has just ended and resting from it. Instead of creating New Year’s Resolutions for myself this year, I have decided to try and stay in tune with my body by slowing down until I am ready to conquer my goals.
Feeling low during this time is perfectly normal but choosing how to honour this way of feeling can help you come out the other side with a greater understanding of yourself and the cyclical nature that the year brings.
Millennium Milli