Helpful tips for Oakville, Milton, Burlington, Halton Hills residents to get through ‘Blue Monday’

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Published January 16, 2023 at 3:00 pm

Today (January 16) is Blue Monday. Every year, the third Monday in January is given the name and tagged as supposedly the saddest day of the year. PEXELS PHOTO

If residents of Oakville, Burlington, Milton and Halton Hills are feeling a little blue today (January 16), that’s understandable on this “Blue Monday.”

There’s no scientific basis as to why this day is called Blue Monday, but every year the third Monday in January is given the name and tagged as supposedly the saddest day of the year.

The idea for Blue Monday first surfaced back in 2005 after a media release from Sky Travel, a British travel company. In it, the British company pointed to a psychologist who came up with a formula that said the third Monday in January was the most depressing day of the year based on the weather, Christmas bills and low motivation levels.

While 18 years later it’s considered by most as nothing more than a public relations stunt, the “winter blues are very real,” says Halton Healthcare.

In an effort to make this Monday a little brighter, Amanda Lloyd, a social worker in Halton Healthcare’s Practical Outpatient Mental Health Program, is sharing tips on how to get through the day.

  • Get out and move: Movement creates energy – the less we move the more tired we may feel. Dress in layers and go outside or opt for a change of scenery if you can.
  • Collective Care: Self-care can be difficult. Connecting with others can open a gateway to improve caring for ourselves.
  • Plan something: Create some anticipation. Schedule things to look forward to in your day, week and month.
  • Talk to your doctor: If you are having difficulty getting through your day or week, reach out to your doctor or go to onelink.ca for support.

For a list of mental health services at Halton Healthcare, visit here.

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