Does This Tuesday Feel Like a Monday to Anyone Else?
Good morning! How’s everyone doing? I know the middle of January can feel like the Monday of the calendar year—but right now? We’re looking those downer vibes straight in the eye and saying “not today!”
Sunset at 4pm? Temperatures in the “it’s too cold for this?” Post-holiday-season come-down? We’ve all been there. Those feelings are valid…but today, we’re working on kicking ’em to the curb in favor of some “it’ll get sunny again soon” optimism.
Countdown to Memorial Day: 132 days.
*As always, if your blues are more than just a mid-January thing, never be afraid to reach out for help. It’s free and always available.
—Lindsay
deep dive
Does This Tuesday Feel Like a Monday to Anyone Else?
Yesterday was Martin Luther King Jr. Day, an official day of service that celebrates the civil rights leader and American hero’s life and legacy. Inspiring, right? Hard to imagine, then, that the third Monday in January is also a day some call “Blue Monday.”
What is Blue Monday? The term was invented in 2005 by a UK travel company based on the general consensus that it felt like the most blah time of year. While there’s no scientific reasoning to believe that any one day is more depressing than the others, I’m sure plenty of us can agree that the first month of the year can leave you feeling a little down.
So today, let’s talk about how to overcome those winter blues. And let’s start here...
Fact: Winter can stink…if you let it.
I bet not even Ms. Rachel loves that feeling when snow gets into her boots and soaks her wool socks on the way into school drop-off. For most of us, winter is synonymous with feeling either wet or cold or like you’re the Michelin Man in your giant puffer jacket.
Since most of us can’t up and move to Florida or California to escape the dregs of winter, here are some tips to make the most of the season ’til the sun comes back out.
The secret? You probably already know it.
But when was the last time you put these well-loved tips into practice? Including them in your daily ritual can work winter wonders.
Move your body! Get regular exercise at least 3–4 times per week.
Eat well. And yes, that means a double shot almond milk latte does not count as a balanced breakfast.
Get as much natural light as possible, even just 10 minutes per day.
Don’t isolate yourself. Winter = hibernation = you haven’t talked with your friends in weeks. Pick up that phone!
Change or upgrade your scenery. Buy those flowers for your kitchen table. Get out of town for the weekend. Hang that painting you’ve had in storage for months.
What else can you do that your mom probably hasn’t already told you?
Remember: rest is best
Are you getting the 7–9 hours per night of sleep that your body needs? If the answer is no, that’s where you ought to start. Sometimes, collecting a few nights of quality sleep can make all the difference in your mood and how you cope with anything funky that comes your way.
Check yourself
Are you doing too much? Are the 14 new resolutions you set on December 31 making you feel worse? Simplify. Try the two most important things on your list. Make small changes. Totally ax goals that are unattainable! You’re in the driver’s seat.
Don’t fake it ’til you make it
Sometimes you just have to sulk. There’s nothing wrong with it! Take some time to be a grouch—it can be therapeutic to honor our feelings as they are and start over the next day.
Next time you’re feeling Monday-ish, no matter what day it is, give these ideas a try. And remember—Friday always comes around.
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tips & tricks
Incredible generosity. Did you catch this video from Shawn and Andrew? Last year—with your help!—they raised over $475,000 for causes big and small. And this year, they have a new challenge for you. Can we do it? I say HECK YES.
Miracles everywhere. I can’t help but share the miraculous story of Buffalo Bills’ safety, Damar Hamlin. If you’ve been following along, you’ll know that he collapsed after a play during Monday Night Football and had to be resuscitated on the field. His recovery since has been nothing short of miraculous. We love good news!
Thanks, but no thanks. This video seems fitting for this newsletter. Tell me what you really think of eating your greens, kitty.
Look, we’re halfway to February! Hang in there, friends. Sending love and (seasonal affective disorder box) light.
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