Blue Monday

Monday 20th January was Blue Monday for 2025 in the Northern hemisphere. This is the day that is estimated to be most depressing day of the year. Alternatively Yellow Day, the happiest day of the year, falls around the 20th June.

The theory is that our moods drop due to:

Bad weather
Debt
Time since Christmas and payday
Failing our New Years Resolutions
Feeling a need to take action

This has been criticised for lack of scientific evidence, making light of genuine clinical depression and being a marketing trick to sell holidays. However I think there is some truth that we usually don’t feel our best around this time of year.

My words of motivation are: keep your head up! The new year is only 3 weeks old. And there is much to look forward to.

Set yourself some goals. You don’t have to wait until the end of the year to set goals, you can make some TODAY. Set some long-term goals that will take most of the year. And some mini goals that you can achieve in a few weeks or days. You can even set some goals for TODAY!

Get to the gym and push yourself
Eat healthy
Give yourself an early night of sleep
Take some Vitamin D
Go for a walk
Message/Call family or friends for a catch up

Any of these small goals will definitely make you feel better, and start building some habits towards a healthier future. Someone told me that, whenever you have a problem, as soon as you start taking action you feel better, because you are taking control of the outcome.

Don't feel bad if you are not motivated all the time, motivation comes and goes, this is why it's important to build good habits and discipline so you do the right things automatically.

In fitness, winter is a great time to get your head down and work on yourself while there are less distractions. Eat more and grow some muscle, or get a head start on your summer diet! Once spring comes and the sun comes out, we will feel satisfied with the results of our hard work!

Good luck everyone and feel free to reach out if you need any advice or support!

Patrick