WARNING: it’s the most depressing day of the year

Blue Monday has landed: and it has a lethal cocktail of factors that will make you depressed.

So if you’re feeling blue today you’re not alone. The combination of having come down from the highs of Christmas, having a huge credit card bill to pay off, and having V day looming (plus it’s a bloody Monday) is enough to send most people under their duvet with a box of tissues.

Believe me, having had one too many Blue Mondays myself here are 3 fail-safe strategies for dealing with the blues.

1. Create change.

The sensation of groundhog day sends most people into a deep depression. You’re not a potato and you’re supposed to want to be challenged and grow. At times in your life where you feel stuck and bored, there are small steps you can take to alleviate this sensation.

You may be desperate to move but unable to afford it: researching the property/ rental market, or working out your finances may not be as exciting as picking up your boxes but it will feel like you’re taking control. And that feeling with alleviating the blues.

2. Get perspective.

If you’re comfy enough to read this blog chances are it ain’t so bad for you. We live in a developed country, with freedom, clean air and the ability to have warm food every day. The icing on the cake factors in life – like great relationships- may be missing. But you have the basics for a successful life- and in all likelihood- you won them in the lottery of life.

So rather than dwelling on what you don’t have yet be grateful for everything we take as a given. And if you need this hammering home VOLUNTEER: or do another project that makes you gain perspective on your life.

3. Change is inevitable.

Change just happening has probably screwed you over in the past (that job you lost, the partner who cheated) but as the wheel always turns it will inevitably swing back into your favour.

So if you’re in a bit of a mental hole where you feel RUBBISH about several areas of your life – rest assured this is temporary. EVERYTHING IS TEMPORARY. So try to ride the wave of feeling rubbish and know you’re going to spring out of the other side soon.

Optimism is the only life philosophy worth having on Blue Monday.

If you would like a safe space to share your thoughts and feelings, join my Club!