Five Easy Tips to be Happy on Blue Monday

If you’re feeling a little more miserable today than you usually would on a Monday, there’s an explanation for it. The third Monday of every year has claimed a title for itself, after Cardiff University’s Dr. Cliff Arnall worked out an equation based on weather, motivation levels, failure to follow through with new year’s resolutions, and other factors that tend bring people down. The result was blue Monday, and you’re living through it today. 

​Although scientists have pushed the idea of Blue Monday aside as pseudoscience, people continue to talk about it. We can all agree that January definitely isn't one of the happier months of the year, so here are our top five easy tips to make your day a little better. 

1. Have a Cheeky Cheat Treat. 

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​If you're trying to cut down on the calories, more power to you! However - today you're excused, so use it and make yourself feel a little better by reaching for that chocolate bar you told yourself you wouldn't touch... and another, and another... 

2. Compliment Someone 

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This one's a bonus because it works both ways. You should be doing it everyday - but if you find yourself thinking "his haircut looks nice", or "she looks great in that shirt", don't be scared to say it out loud. You'll put a smile on someone's face, and you'll walk away feeling good about yourself too. Try it! 

3. Smile if You Make Eye Contact

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Do you ever catch yourself gazing directly at someone without noticing? Don't lie, I see you staring. Why not try to smile at them. Smiling releases endorphins, and they're responsible for feelings of euphoria, which in turn boosts your happiness. Turn that frown upside down, just don't be awkward about it. 

4. Book a Spontaneous Holiday

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It may not be in everyone's reach, but your paid holidays have just been renewed for the year, so don't be scared to use them, it'll give you something to look forward to! We're all a bit short on cash in January, but a flight to Italy can be as cheap as £9.99 - and you know you've spent more than that on a night out. 

5. Listen to the Right Music

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Lastly, it may seem like a good idea to listen to sad songs when you're feeling a little under the weather, but don't do it because it will only worsen your mood. Instead, listen to songs that are more upbeat. You'll see they help, and if you feel like getting up and dancing, go for it! 

Filippo Cartoni