You’re not alone if you’ve got a case of the winter blues.
The third Monday in January is known as “Blue Monday,” or the most depressing day of the year.
The Canadian Mental Health Association says although the concept started off as a PR stunt for a travel company, feelings of sadness are very real this time of year.
“Blue Monday is traditionally thought of as the saddest day of the year due to stressors such as post-holiday blues, weight gain, cold dark days, failure to stick to New Year’s resolutions and the arrival of holiday bills,” a news release says.
The CMHA adds the pandemic isn’t helping with 40 per cent of Canadians reporting feeling especially blue since its onset.
The Nova Scotia branch wants to help you combat the winter blues. It says you can move to lift your mood.
It says just fifteen minutes of exercise can help.
“Increasing physical activity, social connectivity and sunlight exposure are essential to combating the winter blues,” says the Nova Scotia chapter. “Even with COVID-19 restrictions and winter weather, physical activity needs to be a priority.”
The CMHA adds you can make your fitness social, working out with family and friends, or even giving them a call while on a walk if you can’t gather physically due to pandemic rules.
Another tip is to get outside.
“Natural light has many mood benefits as well,” the CMHA says. “Despite colder temperatures, it’s important to include some daytime outdoor physical activity as long as it works within local COVID-19 safety guidelines. That can be something as simple as walking around the block, shovelling the driveway, or going for a hike.”
The CMHA says you can always reach out for extra support if you need it.
You can find a full list of supports in Nova Scotia here.
