Leeds Mental Wellbeing Service (LMWS) provides top tips to combat Blue Monday – the most depressing day of the year.
Blue Monday, Monday 15 January 2024, is an annual day that is often regarded as the most depressing day of the year. The term is used nationally to reflect that weather conditions, post-Christmas debt levels, shorter days, return to work are amongst factors affecting people’s mental health.
Staff at LMWS are sharing hints and tips to help you combat Blue Monday and help boost your mood.
Ceri McCorry, Cognitive Behavioural Therapist at the Leeds Mental Wellbeing Service, said:
“We recognise Blue Monday can be a difficult day for people and can bring to the surface mental health worries but there are lots of small things we can do to look after our mental health and wellbeing, and they can make a big difference to how we feel.”
There are a number of ways you can beat the blues and boost your mood. Here Ceri shares her top tips.
Tip 1: Get Active
Scheduling two to three activities a day can help you burn off nervous energy, and less the impact of stress.
Activities such as practical household tasks, going to the shop, going for a walk, exercise, gentle stretching can release positive mood boosting hormones.
Tip 2: Increase variety
Having different stretch of activities over the day can be helpful make a positive impact on our mood.
This can be looking at activities that increases our sense of achievement, enjoyment and our sense of closeness and connection to others.
Tip 3: Be in the moment
Creating a sense of contentment around activities by slowing down and not rushing through these activities.
Rather than anxiously wanting to finish an everyday routine task to get on with doing something else, take that regular routine and fully experience it like never before.
Whether it’s enjoying your favourite hobby, learning something new or simply taking time to relax, it is important to do things that make you happy. Do not feel guilty about this; it’s good for your mental health.
LMWS has a wealth of information on its website, online courses, helplines, and helpful tips on its social media to help boost your mood.
These include managing stress, Depression Recovery classes and Sleep Well workshops running in the month of January.
LWMS is open to anyone over the age of 17 who is registered with a GP in Leeds.
People can self-refer on our online portal here or go through their GP to access the services.
For more information and to access our helpful videos, follow us on X/Twitter and Facebook
This post is based on a press release issued by Leeds Mental Wellbeing Service
Photo: Shutterstock
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