Student Blogs

Best ways to beat the blues on Blue Monday

Christmas decorations have been neatly packed away, the last of the Christmas chocolates have been enjoyed and that sad feeling might be rising its head again as the holiday comedown officially sets in.

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Blue cup of cappuccino with a sad face drawn with cocoa powder on the milk foam

The third Monday of the year is dubbed as ‘Blue Monday’, which is considered to be the saddest day of the year and a particularly heavy time for some.

What is it?

Beginning its life as a marketing tactic used by U.K. travel company Sky Travel in 2005, Blue Monday is now used as a moment to take stock and increase awareness of mental health issues. A combination of colder nights, broken New Year's resolutions and a longer period between monthly wages all contribute to why Blue Monday is so blue.

Beating the Blues

Two people stood together wearing clothes of various different colours

Wear something colourful

It’s no secret than wearing something colourful can boost your mood. Finding and wearing ‘your colour’ can make your eyes and hair ‘pop’ as well making you appear to be more radiant. Consider colours like pinks, greens, and oranges to make Blue Monday a little less blue!

Young person enjoying their morning pastry at home

Eat your favourite food

Sometimes the easiest and simplest way of cheering yourself up is by eating something that you really, really, REALLY like. Perhaps that’s a big bar of chocolate or maybe a family recipe, whatever it is, have it and enjoy it! Not sure what you fancy but want to enjoy something warm and tasty? How about knocking up a quick pancake mix to share with your friends? Simple, but a crowd pleaser.

A student singing and holding a phone like a microphone with passion and joy

Listen to music or a podcast

Turn the volume up full and dance around like no one’s watching or snuggle down with a feel-good podcast– whatever your preference, it’ll certainly be good for the soul. Looking for podcast inspiration? With celebrity podcasts such as Ferne Cotton’s ‘Happy Place’ and Steven Bartlett’s motivational ‘The Diary of a CEO’, streaming services are full to the brim of real, honest discussions.

Milk being poured in to a small cup of tea

Have a cup of positive-tea

Every year, Samaritans turns Blue Monday on its head and instead has dubbed the day ‘Brew Monday’, encouraging people to take time to have a cuppa and a good old natter. Start your day off a with a soothing cup of chamomile tea to ease any anxieties that you might have, or stick to a good old-fashioned builder’s brew and a biscuit. Give your friends or family a call and arrange a cuppa and a chat, either in person or virtually.

FitZone gym in Pontypridd - equipped gym interior with various exercise machines under bright lighting.

Sweat it out

Nothing quite distracts you from the day as much as some exercise. If the weather is on your side, take yourself on walk. Stick your earphones in, grab a coffee and see where your stroll takes you. If you’re more of a fitness fanatic, make use of our FitZone and get the blood pumping at one of the classes or follow your own path and do whatever your heart tells you!

FitZone

Young woman taking a nap on a sofa with a blanket

Take a nap

Perhaps you did indeed sweat it out and are now exhausted – treat yourself to a nap, go on, you deserve it. Close the curtains, put some comfy clothes on, snuggle under a big blanket and catch some mid-day Zs. P.S. Don’t forget to set an alarm if you have an afternoon lecture!

A student relaxing at home, reading a book with a scented candle

Enjoy some pampering

Light a candle, have a relaxing shower or bath, indulge in a face mask and... relax. There is a link between skin health and stress, so you might find yourself with dull and dry skin. Do some research online to see what products could help you, and treat yourself to some new products. Lavender scented products are the key to unwinding and preparing yourself for a relaxing night’s sleep. If you’re looking for energising products, search for things like caffeine and vitamin C.

Woman relaxing in front of big screen TV

Watch something fun on TV

If you haven’t already binged on some of the best TV shows and movies, it’s time to do it! Fancy a city break to Paris? Binge Emily in Paris on Netflix to imagine your future travel adventures (and OUTFITS!) Or perhaps you’re thinking of doing some ‘research’ (aka, being nosey) at how the rich and famous live? Pull on your glad rags and binge Selling Sunset. So, snuggle under a blanket, turn off the lights and immerse yourself in some awesome TV.

Bouquet of yellow daffodils in a glass vase on a table

Buy some flowers

Because there’s nothing better than putting a smile on someone else’s face! If the weather is miserable, you’ll never get bored of having a lovely vase of flowers dotted somewhere. With plenty of local florists and shops nearby our campuses, you won’t have to go far (or spend a lot) to bring some colour to this blue Monday. It’s also the season for daffodils so opt for a bunch of those to add some spring vibes to your room – and from most supermarkets, they’ll only set you back £1!

Two adults talk sincerely while sat in private on two chairs in a canteen setting

Most importantly, reach out

Sometimes, the January slump lasts much longer than Blue Monday and if this is the case, it’s important to know that you’ll be supported, in a confidential, professional manner. If you'd like some help or advice, our Wellbeing team have some excellent resources available online, as well as our on-campus Advice Zones. The Wellbeing and Support Teams have a wealth of experience in supporting students through any issues that may arise during their time at USW.

Find out more about Advice Zones

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