How Can You Overcome the Blues on Blue Monday?

Are you in a bad mood? That’s normal! Today, “January 16,” is the dreaded “Blue Monday”—the most depressing day of the year! It’s a day when we see many people struggling with their jobs. After Christmas and a joyful December, January is often associated with bad weather. It’s also the time to pay off all the expenses from the previous month and shed the extra weight gained over the holidays. That’s why January sometimes feels like a very long month, and it’s hard to see the end of it. The “feeling of melancholy” that peaks on the third Monday of January leads to sadness and a general lack of motivation.

Temperatures are dropping, the days are getting shorter, the festive spirit is waning, it's hard to stick to good intentions, and motivation is lacking at the start of the week... It's hard to get anything done. Is this the "Blue Monday" phenomenon?

Blue Monday dates back to 2005 and was the brainchild of a British psychologist, Cliff Arnall. He created a mathematical formula based on various factors: winter weather, the end of the Christmas season, the economic situation, and a lack of joy. At first glance, it seems very serious. What is less well known is that this theory was actually created for an advertising campaign. The British company Sky Travel wanted to encourage its passengers to fly to sunny destinations. It was a clever marketing move.

According to the inventor's theory, the second-to-last Monday in January is the worst day of the year because it puts us in a gloomy mood. The sun rarely shines, and money disappears from our wallets after the holidays. Not to mention the extra pounds that come with overeating. Our poor quality of life can be explained by many factors.

But every Monday, we feel the need to move on to something else. This time, it might be a fun and nostalgic weekend. While others are resting, we’re forced to work and feel guilty. This sense of despair is an expression of boredom, because Monday is usually the day we like the least.

The nickname "Blue Monday" refers to the English expression "feeling blue"—meaning "to be feeling down." It’s fair to say that Mondays aren’t usually very festive. They’re generally the hardest day of the week. Add to that the cold, the lack of light, nostalgia for the holidays, the drain on our bank accounts, and the premature end of our good will, and this third Monday in January quickly becomes very gloomy. Blue Monday is more of a marketing term, but the winter slump is very real.

The third Monday of the year, also known as “Blue Monday,” is traditionally a depressing time of year. Today, January 16, is no exception. In fact, psychologist Cliff Arnall doesn’t want people to feel depressed on this day. Instead, he tries to help people maintain a positive attitude and encourages them to keep working to improve their daily lives.

Similarly, it's normal to have ups and downs throughout the year, and you may sometimes feel discouraged. If you're feeling down or depressed, here are a few things you can try:

• Choose more light;
• Listen to music;
• Eat foods rich in omega-3, which will stimulate the secretion of melatonin, a hormone that regulates our biological rhythms;
• Enjoy your morning;
• Remember to laugh and smile from time to time;
• Share your feelings with your loved ones;
• And to top it all off, take advantage of CBD's benefits for depression.

Whether it's the original "Blue Monday" or just a passing fad, many people try to stay in good spirits at this time of year. Since January is the hardest month of the year for many people, it's helpful to know how CBD can lift your spirits!

What can you do to get back on track? You’ve probably heard about this compound with so many benefits. Known as cannabidiol, this THC derivative—which is 100% legal in France—is the key to effective relaxation. But can it really help you if you’re dealing with depression? Well, it can!

After THC, CBD is attracting growing interest from researchers. Although it does not appear to increase the production of 5-hydroxytryptamine, it may have a positive effect on its interaction with certain neuroreceptors. This was demonstrated, for example, by a study conducted in 2018. Another study, this time from 2019, showed that CBD appears to have an almost immediate antidepressant effect in rodents, possibly due to an increase in BDNF. BDNF is a protein involved in mood regulation.

To better get through Blue Monday, it’s especially important not to neglect your sleep. In fact, with the stress that weighs on our daily lives, it’s hard to sleep like a log. And that’s where CBD comes in. To combat the winter blues, you need to sleep well. As such, using CBD could help ensure you get a restful night’s sleep. Thanks to its relaxing and anxiety-reducing properties, it can promote sleep and help combat insomnia.

But how? In theory, CBD acts directly on certain hormones, such as the stress hormone cortisol and the neurochemical serotonin. A 2019 study also found that CBD’s effects on stress and anxiety may improve sleep.

For those who don't know, CBD is a true ally for well-being. Numerous scientific studies have shown that CBD may have positive effects on health. According to researchers, it affects our endocannabinoid system, particularly the CB1 and CB2 receptors. As such, it plays an important role in maintaining mental health and emotional well-being. By acting on these receptors, it exerts a regulatory effect on the immune system.

Since CBD is believed to have a relaxing effect on emotional stress, anxiety, sleep, and pain, it could naturally improve mood and help people cope better. You could say it’s a true ally when it comes to easing everyday problems and taking care of yourself naturally. Not to mention that it could boost your energy to get you moving. It’s a real gem of happiness—what more can we say?

CBD may indeed be a viable natural option for depressive episodes and major depression, as its effects are said to be comparable to those of traditional antidepressants. Furthermore, it carries no risk of the serious side effects or dependence associated with those medications. However, please note that this compound is by no means a medication. If you are experiencing chronic depression, consult your doctor.

All signs point to CBD being helpful, at least in combating seasonal depression following an emotional shock or stressful event. In fact, there is indeed a wide variety of CBD-based products available on the market.

• CBD Oil 

It is the most popular product on the market. It is particularly well-suited for daily use to combat depression and stress. It is highly concentrated, which gives it a strong yet subtle effect. To experience immediate effects, takeCBD oil sublingually.

• CBD Herbal Tea

Here’s another way to combat the Blue Monday blues. To stay nice and warm and enjoy the benefits of this compound, drinkingCBD herbal teas is highly recommended. Have some before going to bed (ideally 30 minutes beforehand). Your worries will vanish like smoke into the air.

Never start with a large amount. Try CBD at the lowest dose first and gradually increase it until you feel the expected effects.

Now that you know about Blue Monday depression, it's time to take control of your life. There are a few tips to help you cope: exercise, relaxation, natural light, CBD... Explore all your options and find the one that works best for you.

Of course, if you have serious mental health issues and/or symptoms of major depression at any time of the year, see a doctor.