Happy Monday All! Even though today is known for being the most depressing day of the year.
Is it really? Don’t give in to myth of Blue Monday! You can still have a great day and a positive start to the week.

What is Blue Monday?
It is believed to be the most depressing day of the year. Well, it is according to psychologist, Cliff Arnall, who created the concept of Blue Monday in 2004, when he created the formula for the January blues.
The calculation was carried out by Cliff for travel company, Sky Travel, who then went on to use the concept as a PR stunt to promote their winter deals.

The formula, which is based on the main factors that are most likely to contribute to low mood, is:

These are the factors in the calculation:
W = Weather
D = Debt
d = Monthly salary
T = Time since Christmas
Q = Time since failing our new year's resolutions
M = Low motivational levels
Na = The feeling of a need to act

Ways to feel more positive – remember:
1. It’s a myth - There are no scientific studies to say that Blue Monday is actually Blue Monday.
2. We all have good and bad days - Everybody’s situation is different, and it’s therefore impossible for all of us to feel the same way on one day.
3. It’s a good opportunity to check in on our mental health - Rather than automatically think you feel blue on Blue Monday, reflect on your mental wellbeing and continue to do it all-year round.
4. Talk things through with other people - This is really useful for protecting our mental health, and sometimes, a problem shared can be a problem halved.

Doing these things can also help you to beat the blues:
• Focus on the good things that are happening in your life and try not to be dominated by things that may have gone wrong or aren’t going your way.
• Be grateful for what has happened – this will help you focus on the positive things that are taking place all around you. For example, you can be grateful for having a good sleep, completing your work on time, your colleague helping you out or your partner doing the shopping for you.
• Try to smile and laugh a lot more – we’re not saying you should turn into The Joker, but studies have found that laughter can help relieve depression, stress and anxiety. A simple laugh or smile, at ourselves or other people, can instantly lift our spirits.
• Use positive affirmations – try to start every day with a positive thought, saying, memory or quote that sets you up for the best possible start. Don’t forget to keep reminding yourself of it throughout the day too.

Speaking to loved ones is a great way to help beat the blues! That is why JustNurses are supporting Samaritans campaign for 'Brew Monday' - hoping to squash the theory of Blue Monday and just to remind people to reach out for a cuppa and a chat.

Click here to find out more about ‘Brew Monday’.