They say it is the saddest day of the year, but there are already many psychologists who wonder if we do not reach it influenced by the marketing that accompanies it. Blue Monday arrives in our homes on the third Monday of every January with the premise of becoming the saddest day of the year
It seems that we have to go back to 2005 to know the origin of this day, when the psychologist Cliff Arnall identified this Monday as the “saddest day of the year”. According to theories, the sadness would be caused by the melancholy of the past Christmas holidays, the decline of New Year’s resolutions and the dreaded ‘January blues’.
Despite the fact that Blue Monday has no scientific basis, many people already claim to be in a worse mood at this time of year. Psychologists have revealed a series of keys to cope with it in the best possible way.
Psychologist gives tips on how to cope with Blue Monday
Leticia Martin Enjuto, a health and forensic psychologist, recommends cultivating gratitude, prioritizing self-care, fostering meaningful connections, practicing mindfulness, setting healthy boundaries, cultivating self-compassion and, if that is not enough, seeking professional help.
On the other hand, it is also important to create healthy routines that allow us to have a sense of control and stability. Exercising daily and spending time on our hobbies will improve our mood and help us counteract sadness.