Great tips on how to boost your mood this ‘Blue Monday’
Due to post-Christmas blues, shorter, colder days and a longer than normal month to budget for due to most employees being paid earlier in December, 21st January is officially ‘Blue Monday’.
According to Wikipedia, a university professor calculated the date using the following formula: weather=W, debt=d, time since Christmas=T, time since failing our new year’s resolutions=Q, low motivational levels=M and the feeling of a need to take action=Na.
Here are some ideas to boost your mood to get you through ‘Blue Monday’:
Get out for a walk, in daylight ideally. Exposure to sunlight increases the level of serotonin in the brain which is known as the ‘good mood hormone’. Exercise increases the level of endorphins which also increase mood as well as limiting the effect of stress and reducing immune system chemicals that increase depression.
Get more sleep. A sleepless night can leave you feeling more irritable, short-tempered, and vulnerable to stress. The body needs six to seven REM cycles to wake up refreshed. Around eight hours per night should be sufficient.
Reduce stress. Stress causes the hormone cortisol to be released in the body. An elevated level of Cortisol in the bloodstream can lead to depression. Consider what is causing you to be stressed and take steps to change it. Taking ten minutes every day to breathe and meditate can help reduce stress.
If your business would benefit from tailored, cost effective leadership and engagement training on the mental resilience of your teams, then get in touch on 01924 666 295.
