This Monday marks Blue Monday (or “sad Monday,” as called in Portuguese)! The date, created in 2005, takes into account various factors that lead to unhappiness: from weather conditions to debts accumulated during the festive season, the days left until the next paycheck, failed New Year's resolutions, and, of course, the usual low motivation level at the start of the year!
Although there is no absolute certainty about its origin, it is certain that Blue Monday is communicated as a day when people feel most depressed.
At BOOMFIT, we challenge you to look at this day with optimism and happiness, since you are an “influencer” in many people’s lives, giving them strength to stay focused and dedicated to their training and a healthy lifestyle!
And, after all, sadness might not be so bad! In an interview with the news site “Notícias ao Minuto,” neuropsychologist and hypnotherapist Alberto Lopes gave tips on how to make this Monday a happy one.
“Sadness can have a purpose, serving as a catalyst for self-reflection and personal growth. Accepting and exploring sadness as part of the emotional spectrum is crucial for healthy psychological balance.”
In this interview, the specialist shared some tools that can help face this day, namely “healthy habits” such as “physical exercise, healthy eating, and good sleep hygiene,” making the sleeping environment a calm place for relaxation.
How to Ignore Blue Monday?
The truth is that there is no scientific evidence supporting Blue Monday. However, since it is becoming increasingly ingrained, one of the best ways is to simply forget this date exists and see it as a myth. And even when there are less good days, we must be prepared to face them...
Healthy Habits and Lifestyles
Fighting episodes of anxiety or depression requires careful care of mind and body. Opting for a balanced diet and regular physical exercise is a way to combat these episodes. Additionally, it is important to ensure restful and sufficient sleep, because “sleep is half the sustenance,” and it is essential to guarantee good quality of life immediately and especially in the medium and long term.
Regular Physical Exercise
It is well-known that regular physical exercise is very important for physical and mental health. Avoiding a sedentary lifestyle is the first step to improving sleep quality, mood, and concentration ability. Keeping the body moving helps to free the mind!
Meditation and Time for Ourselves
Meditation has already been a topic on our blog. Now, we add to this the importance of having “time for ourselves.” Let’s use these “less good” days for self-reflection, setting aside time to think about emotions and feelings, gaining insights of self-knowledge that can help in future events.
Goal Setting
Set achievable goals for everyday life! Including goals ensures purpose and direction, avoiding the feeling of being lost. Therefore, it does not matter if goals are small or big, but that they are attainable and bring a sense of "wish fulfilled."
Social Connection
You don't need to be on social media to stay connected to those you love most. Take advantage of these less good days to reconnect with family, friends, or your partner for dinner or just a simple coffee. Such social events activate endorphins, the hormones that stimulate feelings of pleasure and happiness.
The Power of Laughter
Besides being a form of positive emotional expression, laughter can serve as a positive distraction, diverting attention from negative thoughts or worries. This expression is often shared socially and can even strengthen social bonds with friends, family, or colleagues. A good hearty laugh is undoubtedly an essential expression that pushes away the feeling of less positive days!
Time Outdoors
Natural light and contact with nature are excellent stimulants that increase creative thoughts and solutions. Connection with nature can also be a powerful tool to find daily balance, contributing to stress reduction.
Ignoring Blue Monday
Monday is already a “boring” day after a weekend that can be intense and full of activities. Pretending this Monday is just a normal Monday is a good starting point to avoid drifting into negative thoughts or unnecessary worries. We believe it might not always be easy, but good planning of the day helps transform a Monday into a great starting point for a week full of optimism.
Final Considerations
It is true that Blue Monday brings to mind some thoughts that may not be the most uplifting. However, if discouragement or less positive feelings take over your athletes, don't forget: note these guidelines and apply them whenever necessary. You will only be contributing to each of their well-being, positively influencing them daily.
Don’t let less good days affect your day!
