29 Dec The Danger of January
Is Blue Monday Hype or Real?
January is called the saddest month of the year, and the third Monday in January (January 20th, 2025) is Blue Monday, labeled as the most miserable day of the year. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, sadness often peaks in January, and there are some reasons for it, such as darker and colder days, the realization of debt incurred during Christmas, and the departure of the Christmas season.
It’s normal to feel down at times. However, beware: A travel agency concocted Blue Monday to sell more vacation packages to scare you into thinking that trips are more important than mindset and action. I love a sunny beach as much as anyone, but some disciplines work well, too. We have the power to learn and prepare to make choices that can positively impact our mood.
Here are a few things to help us to have a fantastic January:
- Rest- Make sleep a priority.
- Eat for fuel and nutrition. Not for other reasons. Make water your #1 drink.
- Focus on serving others more than self.
- Engage in daily rigorous physical activity.
- Read something inspiring.
Ironically, our first match of the season falls on Blue Monday. But with proper planning and action, we can turn this potentially ‘blue’ day into the year’s best opportunity. It’s a chance to start the week on a high note, setting a positive tone for the coming days.
Hard Comes First A Guide The Guide to Winning is about becoming your best. Available at: Hard Comes First: The Guide to Winning: Ray, Rod: 9781963793444: Amazon.com: Books
Sources: National Institute of Mental Health, Seasonal Affective Disorder https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/seasonal-affective-disorder#:~:text=If%20you%20have%20noticed%20significant,pattern%20SAD%20or%20winter%20depression.