How to overcome the most depressing day of the year with joy and peace of mind? Free yourself from the January blues! – How to escape boredom

The so-called Blue Monday first appeared in 2005. At that time, the British travel agency Sky Travel issued a report claiming that, according to its own equation, it had calculated the third Monday in January as the day when people feel most depressed throughout the year.

Its intention was clear: as a remedy for bad moods, cold January weather and helplessness, it recommended trips to sunnier places, to the sea, and of course with Sky Travel. This marketing move was successful, and although the agency has long since ceased to exist, Blue Monday lives on – and very successfully so.

However, there is no evidence that Blue Monday is actually the most depressing day of the year. The key to getting through this day is to focus on self-care, planning positive activities, and maintaining contact with others. With a little effort and the right mindset, you can forget about the January blues and enjoy the rest of the year with joy and peace of mind.

Where did the Blue Monday phenomenon come from?

The origins of this phenomenon originally appeared to be a light-hearted joke that became popular on its own. Every year, a number of articles appear that deal with the topic of the most depressing day of the year and analyse Blue Monday in detail.

Those with a talent for mathematics try to solve the equation that started the whole idea. If you’re not a mathematician, don’t stress. The equation takes into account various factors such as the weather, debt levels, monthly salary, time since Christmas, time since failing to meet New Year’s resolutions, and motivation levels. Many experts have concluded that this equation makes no sense, some even consider it nonsense, and after considerable criticism, the author himself distanced himself from it. However, there are still opinions that there “may” be something to it.

When you think about it, remember that the calculation had only one purpose: to sell more exotic tours. Moreover, until 2005, no one even knew about Blue Monday.

When wellness, nature and relaxation are not enough

There are also warnings that the pseudoscientific equation undermines the public’s understanding of science and psychology. Moreover, this equation is disrespectful to those who actually suffer from clinical depression: for them, a scented bath, a walk, a candle, relaxing music, a favourite film or book are definitely not enough. The equation suggests that depression is something temporary, insignificant, and that everyone experiences it. No, depression or anxiety disorder is a serious mental illness that needs to be addressed by professionals and requires long-term therapy, medication, or a combination of both. If you feel that you are overwhelmed by depression, do not be afraid to seek professional help. A psychologist or therapist can help you find ways to overcome these feelings.

Unfortunately for anyone struggling with real depression, the concept of the most depressing day of the year has taken hold and persists. If you haven’t heard of it before, after reading this text you will never forget it, and you will see the approaching date as a light at the end of the tunnel – but not as a shining beacon of hope, but as the headlights of a train coming towards you in the dark of January.

Good news and a cure for Blue Monday

Ignore the news that tells you that you will never feel better than on the third Monday in January. If it improves your mood, start planning a nice holiday – you don’t necessarily have to go to the seaside, just choose a pleasant place on Kudy z nudy. How about trying unusual accommodation and trying glamping, a stay on a farm, in a tree house or a stylish stay in the countryside?

Planning fun activities is a great way to cope with the gloom. We’ve already mentioned scented baths, candles, nature walks, books and music, now it’s time to take action. Perhaps try out some wellness programmes. Take a look at our events calendar. You’re sure to find something that interests you – but by the way, spending a few hours preparing a good meal is not a bad idea either.

Our mental health has been under a lot of pressure in recent years and deserves special attention. You are not alone in this feeling; the people around you often feel the same way. Call an old friend or family member – just to brighten up your day. When was the last time you really enjoyed a nice conversation with someone?

Create a detox plan and try to stop looking at social media. It’s not easy, and it’s probably impossible to turn off your phone completely, but just take a weekend off from watching what others are doing, their fabulous sunny lives, and getting upset in discussions. If you want to go down this route, check out the places where you can take a complete break from civilisation. You’re sure to find some tips for your next long weekend.

The author who created the equation for Blue Monday stated in another press release that he was able to determine the happiest day of the year. Yes, we don’t have to believe it (and after our experience with this “popular” equation, we shouldn’t), but that’s also a way to go: start looking forward to June in January, because the happiest days should be around the solstice, approximately from 21 to 24 June.

Is this light at the end of the tunnel too far away? Then trust the UN, which designated 20 March as International Day of Happiness in 2013. This day is meant to remind us how important happiness is in our lives, and it’s also great because spring is coming. In fact, it’s already close, so we wish you a joyful journey towards it.