Blue Monday

Today, the third Monday in January, is referred to as "Blue Monday," the most depressing day of the year. Statistics supposedly show that the gloom we feel today may be related to the passing of time since Christmas, where we stand on our New Year's resolutions, and basically the long-haul of winter before us (This, of course, should never be confused with Major Depressive Disorder, as diagnosed and treated by a health care professional).

With some searching, I found that Blue Monday was actually a marketing ploy born in Europe six years ago to boost air travel. Americans haven't necessarily caught on to this tradition, but it seems plausible to me that Blue Monday has some connection to reality. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD for short) is a real condition that affects Americans--especially the snow-bound in places like New England: the sun disappears and seemingly endless cold days take over until spring comes to rescue the afflicted. Seasonal mood variations are believed to be related to the lack of light. As we venture out from our frozen bungalows, we refill our serotonin deficiencies, helping to increase our sense of well being.

To get through Blue Monday, advice from professionals include: keep active, eat well, care for others, do something you are good at, ask for help, talk about your feelings, take a break, drink sensibly, and most importantly, book your next flight to Cancun.