Blue Monday, also known as "sad Monday" or "the most depressing day of the year", is a popular label used to refer to the third Monday in January, considered by many to be the day in which which people feel sadder, unmotivated or depressed. Although this idea has been widely spread, is there really a scientific basis behind it? And, is it normal to feel bad on Blue Monday?
Origin of Blue Monday
The concept of Blue Monday was popularized by the psychologist Cliff Arnall in 2005, who presented a mathematical formula to determine what would be the saddest day of the year. This formula included variables such as the weather, post-Christmas debts, time since Christmas, motivation, and the need to make decisions. However, it is important to note that this formula has not been supported by the scientific community and has been widely criticized for its lack of rigor and validity.
The influence of social expectations
The fact that Blue Monday is talked about so much and that it has been given a negative connotation can influence how we feel on that day. Social expectations and suggestion can play an important role in our perception of reality. If we are bombarded with messages about how sad Blue Monday is, our minds may start looking for signs of sadness and upset on that particular day, which can contribute to us feeling bad.
Psychology of emotions
From the perspective of the psychology of emotions, it is important to remember that it is normal to experience a wide range of emotions throughout life, including sadness, discouragement or demotivation at times. Emotions are not good or bad in themselves, but are part of the human experience and provide us with information about our internal state and our needs.
It is perfectly normal to feel sad or unmotivated at certain times, since be it on Blue Monday or any other day of the year. Sadness, like joy or anger, is a legitimate emotion that deserves to be recognized and accepted. Denying or repressing our emotions can lead to greater emotional distress in the long term.
Factors that can influence our mood on Blue Monday
While Blue Monday itself itself does not have a solid scientific basis, there are various factors that can contribute to us feeling bad on this particular day, or at any other time of the year. Some of these factors include:
1. Environmental factors:
The weather, the amount of natural light, the environment we are in and other environmental factors can influence our mood. For example, the lack of natural light during winter can trigger symptoms of sadness or depression in some people.
2. Social factors:
Our interaction with other people, the quality of our interpersonal relationships, the social support we receive and other social aspects can influence our perception of happiness and well-being. Feeling alone or socially isolated can increase the likelihood of experiencing negative emotions.
3. Personal factors:
Our personal history, our values, beliefs and past experiences can influence how we face challenging situations and how we feel at certain times. People who have experienced trauma, significant loss, or are facing personal difficulties may be more likely to experience negative emotions, such as sadness.
How to deal with sadness on Blue Monday?
If you find yourself feeling sad or unmotivated on Blue Monday, or any other time, it's important to remember that it's normal to experience negative emotions from time to time. However, if sadness persists for a long period of time or significantly interferes with your daily life, it may be helpful to seek professional help.
Some strategies you can try to deal with sadness on Blue Monday include :
1. Practice self-compassion:
Treat yourself with kindness and understanding instead of judging yourself harshly for feeling sad. Self-compassion can help you accept your emotions and find healthy ways to deal with them.
2. Connect with others:
Seeking support from friends, family, or mental health professionals can be comforting and can help you feel less alone in your emotions. Connecting with others can give you different perspectives and tools to cope with sadness.
3. Take care of yourself:
Practicing self-care is essential to maintaining a balanced state of mind. Make sure you get enough rest, eat healthy, exercise regularly, and spend time doing activities that you enjoy and relax.
4. Seek professional help:
If sadness persists or significantly interferes with your daily life, consider seeking help from a therapist, psychologist or psychiatrist. These professionals can provide you with specific tools and strategies to manage your emotions and improve your emotional well-being.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Blue Monday does not have a solid scientific basis, it is understandable. Many people may feel unwell on this particular day due to various environmental, social and personal factors. It is important to remember that it is normal to experience sadness or demotivation from time to time and that these emotions are part of the human experience.
If you find yourself dealing with sadness on Blue Monday or any other time, remember that you are not alone and that there are strategies and resources available to help you improve your emotional well-being. Don't hesitate to seek help if you feel that sadness is significantly affecting your daily life. You deserve to feel good about yourself!