It’s that time of year again, apparently ‘the most depressing day of the year’ because we may have broken any new year resolutions, we’re broke and the weather is rubbish.
For me, Blue Monday is the perfect example of one of those ridiculous days which come with such negative connotations and what makes me even more annoyed is that that whole term was actually a PR stunt created back in 2004! Psychologist Cliff Arnall was recruited by travel firm Sky Travel, and he came up with a “formula” for the January blues who then used the phrase in a press release to promote their winter deals!
This year is challenging enough without terms such as ‘Blue Monday’, and I don’t think we all need reminding of this so how about re-phrasing it to ‘Magical Monday’. Look how the energy around the words changes, just by putting a positive spin on it.
And where is the magic?
It’s the small things that you do have or that are around you, rather than what you don’t have. For example, go for a walk out in nature and notice the buds on the trees which is a signal that Spring is on its way. Listen to the birdsong that is definitely getting louder, and earlier, as we move out of Winter. Appreciate your morning cup of coffee.
When we start to appreciate what we do have, it can get you out of a negative thinking pattern really quickly.
“Appreciation is also the antidote to worry. When you’re in a state of appreciation there’s no room for worry, because they cannot coexist.”— GABBY BERNSTEIN
So if you are feeling blue this Monday, are feeling anxious or stressed, then write down or even better say out loud at least five things you appreciate in your life right now. For example:
· I appreciate my friendships
· I appreciate that I have a roof over my head
· I appreciate being able to walk in the forest
· I appreciate the jumper I am wearing that keeps me warm
You can then go through this list throughout the day if ever you feel the negative thoughts coming in, or just state out loud, in the moment, something you appreciate right now.
Let’s look for the magic together today …
