Blue Monday - don't let the blues get you down, ideas for a good mood in winter

Blue Monday, the third Monday in January, is considered the most depressing day of the year. Although this date is conventional, the beginning of the second month of winter can be a real challenge for even the most optimistic. Find out how to deal with the winter blues.

Contents

• What is Blue Monday and why is it the saddest day of the year?
• What are the symptoms of the blues?
• What ingredients should be supplemented in winter?
• Why optimism is important in winter
• How can we improve our mood in winter?
• What is the importance of physical activity?
• Why rest affects our well-being

What is Blue Monday and why does it deserve to be called the saddest day of the year?

The originator of this “holiday”, psychologist Cliff Arnall, suggested three reasons: cold weather and short daylight hours, discouragement caused by failing to keep New Year’s resolutions, and worse financial conditions after Christmas spending.

These reasons won't be true for everyone, but there's something to it. The autumn and winter blues are a phenomenon we've known for ages, affecting both adults and children. Find out how to take care of your well-being in winter.

What are the symptoms of winter blues?

Seasonal blues can appear in late autumn or winter and can last up to several weeks.

Symptoms of winter blues include:

• Overwork
• Excessive sleepiness and difficulty getting out of bed
• Anxiety feelings: sadness, desperation, anxiety
• Lack of activity and motivation
• Headaches
• Greater appetite, especially for carbohydrates
• Mood swings

Be careful not to confuse seasonal depression with depression, as they share similar symptoms. If, despite your best efforts, you or your child are still experiencing feelings of sadness, resignation, or fatigue, be sure to consult a doctor.

Find out how to recognize the symptoms of depression in children

Ways to Beat the Winter Blues - The Most Important Vitamin Under the Sun

The most practical advice for dealing with the autumn blues, which you've probably heard from your doctor, is to take vitamin D. In Poland, supplementation of this vitamin is essential, even year-round, but its deficiencies become particularly noticeable from the end of autumn until the end of spring.

Vitamin D, synthesized in the skin with the help of the sun, primarily affects our immunity, but its lack also causes general weakness and bad mood.

In addition to this vitamin, you may also be deficient in other nutrients. In the fall and winter, these may include vitamins C and E, as well as zinc, selenium, iron, and magnesium.

So, if you know your family loves winter, but you still can't muster up any spark of energy or joy, you might simply be lacking the right supplements. Consult your family doctor about this.

Hunt for the sun

In winter, try to get your children outside in the fresh air as often as possible when the sun is shining. If this is difficult during the week, plan longer walks on the weekends.

Try to soak up as much beneficial sunshine as possible, for example, instead of driving to the store, take a walk or make sure your children don't sleep late on weekends, missing out on sunny mornings.

Ways to beat the winter blues - Good mood and fun in the snow

To escape the winter blues, try to get the whole family in a good mood. Of course, you don't have to be a fan of the season, but you can certainly find some positive aspects in it and avoid the belief that winter is the worst season, best spent at home under a warm blanket.

Most children, of course, have no problem appreciating all the delights of this time of year, at least as long as the ground is covered in powdery snow. Infect your child's enthusiasm and, with your little ones, make the most of the snowy days. Playing outside will give you a serious endorphin rush.

Go sledding or hit the local ice rink. Build snow bases and have a snowball fight. Building a cheerful snowman together will also be great fun for the little ones.

Focus on physical activity

Even if there's no snow and winter fun doesn't provide you with enough exercise, you should still get some physical activity. Endorphins from exercise will undoubtedly boost your mood. So if you haven't signed up your kids for any training yet, it's worth considering.

Team sports like soccer or hockey, or team dancing, are a good idea. The season might also encourage you to try ice skating under the supervision of instructors. If you're looking for a way to escape the cold weather with some sport, it's worth heading to the local swimming pool or water park with scenery reminiscent of tropical islands.

Swimsuits, slides and hot jacuzzis will surely bring you joy and a truly holiday mood, helping you survive the colder days.

Whatever sport you choose, it will help you stay physically healthy and in a great mood all winter long. You can also practice it at home, for example, by learning popular TikTok dances with your children.

Cozy Home - Hygge Concept for Winter

After intense exercise, it's worth a little rest. There's nothing more soothing than a warm and beautiful home when it's grey outside. Such a setting gives us a sense of comfort and security and will positively impact our mood.

Rest in winter is particularly important, it is also a time when we can allow ourselves to slow down and relax more, precisely to ensure our mental comfort.

Create a personal Hygge corner for yourself and each child, where they can relax, unwind, and recharge. A warm blanket, pillow, cozy socks, and sweater will make everyone feel like they're in a cozy nest. Add Christmas lights, a favorite book, and hot chocolate, and no blues will be able to break your family.

Check out our Hygge Winter Essentials

Closeness heals the greatest sadness - Family time together

Winter isn't always conducive to meeting friends and playing outside. Therefore, it's especially important to spend quality time together as a family at home during this time. This could be a family pajama party , an evening of board games, or cooking together .

It is worth remembering that this time does not have to be long, but attentive, focused on the children, without distractions such as TV or phone.

Also, remember to offer your little ones frequent warm words, hugs, and kisses. These small gestures have a huge impact on our mood, reducing stress, improving our mood, and building relationships and a sense of security.

A way to beat the winter blues - T-shirts with a positive message

Surround yourself with optimistic items, for example, buy your little ones cheerful winter pajamas or T-shirts with slogans such as "Good energy" or "I decide what mood I'm in today . "

Warm, optimistic slogans encouraging not to give in to sadness will certainly be a nice support during winter days for all family members.

Check out these positive t-shirts for the hopeless optimist.