There are many factors that go into maintaining a stable mood and productivity. Although depression can hit at any time and should be taken seriously, with the advice of mental health professionals if necessary, there are certain times in the year at which we are more vulnerable to feelings of sadness and anxiety – namely, the beginning of the year. However, knowing about these potentially troublesome times in advance means that we have the opportunity to prepare and hopefully bolster ourselves up against the winter blues.
In the media, January has developed a bad reputation for its interactions with mental health, leading to the creation of the phenomenon ‘Blue Monday’, citing the third Monday in January as the peak annual time for sadness and depression. This claim is dubious, considering the wealth of factors that can influence levels of happiness at any one time, but the concept is rooted in fact. January certainly has potential for boosting sadness and anxiety, as it is the start to a new year (which places high expectations upon it), as well as the month back after the December holiday period. This can render it hard to get back into the routine of work, school or general daily life without the comforts of holiday festivity or being surrounded by friends and family. Loneliness can be increased by the allegation that January is also “the worst month for couples” (Daily Mail), and boasts an extremely high divorce rate (R.I.P. marriage of Hilary Duff and Mike Comrie).
However, since many of the factors which make January such a hotbed for feelings of negativity and sadness can also translate into the next month, it is important for us not to let our guards down when January has come to a close. External natural factors such as bad weather, limited daylight hours and minimal exposure to natural light are consistent, alongside the more internalized stark contrast between the busy holiday period and the monotonous routines of work and school. Not only that, but the closest thing to a holiday we have to look forward to is Valentine’s day (which can be depressing enough in itself, depending where we’re at in our lives…). These similarities make up the criteria for what can be colloquially called “the winter blues”.
Although not a medically diagnosed condition (with the closest probably being Seasonal Affective Disorder), the winter blues are something most of us have felt at some point, often manifested in lack of motivation, unproductivity, irritableness, or just plain inexplicable frustration with everyone and everything. Because no one enjoys those feelings, here are some tips for battling the seasonal frustrations which have the potential to affect us all:
1) Get some natural light and/or fresh air. If you’re in Montreal, then at this point in the year the heavily-minus temperature doesn’t make the outside entirely appealing, nor do the very short, dark days, but hibernating in your bedroom can make you irritable and further decrease your energy level. If you’re into winter activities (like skiing or attending Igloofest) then make the most of your opportunities to leave the comfort of your bed; if not, then it is even more important to at least hang out near a window to get some semblance of exposure to the outside world.
2) Talk to someone. Make an extra effort to plan catch-ups with friends. This will help to readjust after the holiday period of being regularly surrounded by family and friends; plus, there is a pretty good chance you’re not the only one feeling blue because we’re all back at school, or squabbling with our significant others and realizing you’re not alone in that can make a world of difference.
3) Hit the gym… and not just because it was your New Year’s resolution! Exercise does wonders for the body and the mind, and the trip to the gym ensures you get a little fresh air as well – two birds with one stone. Joining an exercise class with a friend is also a good multi-purpose action plan, because you get to hang out, leave your house and are working towards a goal, which keeps you motivated and feeling accomplished.
4) Schedule your time. Whether you’re working too much, or not enough, creating some kind of plan or routine for your wintery days can help to prevent burnout, as well as keep up your productivity and motivation.
5) Be determined to adjust your attitude if you feel an onset of the blues. To quote Barney Stinson, if you’re feeling down, “just stop being sad and be awesome instead”.
Sources:
http://www.theguardian.com/science/blog/2012/jan/16/blue-monday-depressing-day-pseudoscience