The third Monday of January is called Blue Monday and it is said to be the saddest day of the year. Christmas and New Year’s celebrations are over and all of the beautiful decorations are put away. After the magical feeling that the holidays bring, it’s a harsh dose of reality. 

It is normal to feel this ‘blue’ feeling. In fact, millions of people will be feeling exactly how you are. However, it is important to not lose all hope. This feeling can be used as an emotional springboard to set new realistic goals that you can achieve!

With that in mind, here are some practical tips that can help you avoid those Monday blues!

1.) Make some fun plans

Make some plans to give yourself something to look forward to. This might be a bit challenging with the current pandemic, but it is still possible. Planning your next holiday may not be feasible just yet but you can plan other things, like a trip to the salon or treating yourself to a nice dinner.

2.) Set your goals for 2020.

No one ever keeps New Year’s Resolutions but writing down things you want to achieve throughout the year is encouraging!

Try setting goals for each of the following parts of your life:

• Financial
• Social 
• Health
• Wellbeing
• Career

Break your bigger goals down into smaller actions, this will help you feel less overwhelmed and give you the motivation to achieve your goal. Setting materialistic goals is fine but setting “feeling goals” to be more happy, fulfilled, and content can be more beneficial to overall happiness.

3.) Create a budget for the next 12 months.

Creating a budget can help you get your finances in order after the holidays. Maybe you want to go on holiday, maybe you want to move houses and save up for a deposit, or maybe you just want to be able to go out with friends. It’s all possible if you empower yourself to create a sensible budget – and stick to it! 

4.) Meditate

Beginning and ending your day with a 10-20 minute meditation is a great way to boost your mental wellbeing. You can set positive intentions for your day and practice gratitude. 

5.) Surround yourself with positivity. 

Surround yourself with positive people, habits, music, movies, podcasts. If something or someone is making you feel bad or unhappy, leave it behind. Life is too short to be around negativity and unhappiness. 

6.) Watch inspirational movies and YouTube videos. 

Look up some inspirational movies and Youtube videos. Try and watch one at least once a week to refuel your purpose and motivation.