The third Monday in January was coined “Blue Monday” several years ago when it was decided that it represented the saddest day of the year for people.
It gained this reputation was for a few reasons: At this point in January, the weather is a bit glum, the days are a bit dark and people are feeling a little financially strapped after over-spending during the holidays. Having those credit card bills roll in can certainly leave the best of us feeling a little unenthusiastic.
My mental health is generally pretty stable and I certainly don’t suffer the way many friends do, but I do try to take on a few things that help me stay positive in January, including taking better care of myself, getting outdoors, and trying to embrace winter activities.
Enter COVID-19 lockdown and we’ve quite possibly got ourselves the the Bluest of Blue Mondays that ever Blued.
So, on top of our regular depression and anxiety that seems to haunt us during this time, we’ve got a fancy new version, bringing with it:
- Children doing online schooling and never leaving our homes, so moments of peace are completely impossible
- Total isolation from our friends and family members outside our immediate households. Those with elderly parents are trying to manage keeping parents stimulated and cared for without getting the virus that could likely take them out
- No enjoyment watching our children doing their winter sports. What I wouldn’t do to sit in the stands at a hockey arena and cheer on my little players right now. Skiing with my kids would feel like heaven right now
- No promise of sunny vacations to break up the cold and long winters for those of us living in this climate. With no traveling, there is no escaping it
I would love to provide you with all the solutions to surviving this Blue Monday, but frankly, this year I’m pretty sure it would come across as toxic positivity. So instead, I think we should all just take the day to ignore our kids, eat pototo chips, and binge watch Bridgerton so we can fantasize about The Duke.
That’s all I’ve got to contribute this year parents, but I’m happily accepting any suggestions on how to make this Blue Monday feel a little less blue.
