Tackling Blue Monday
As we approach Blue Monday, we are conscious of those in our profession who may be struggling with their mental health. Here, Chartered Accountants Ireland’s wellbeing hub, Thrive, has compiled a list of tips to help you tackle those January blues.
Each year in January we have Blue Monday, and it has been cited as the most depressing day of the year. However, it is important not to allow the concept to become a self-fulfilling prophecy.
Perhaps it is time to retrain our brain – maybe January could be the time for new beginnings. The days start to become a little brighter and we are a step closer to Spring and Summer. There is something reassuring about the subtle change in nature in anticipation of better weather that can lift our spirits and encourage us to look to the future.
Why not carve out some time for yourself and make plans or set goals to try something new.
- Enjoy an early morning walk
- Having breakfast with your kids
- Exploring, and appreciating, your local area
- Getting out in nature every day
- Embrace online learning
- Tackling that big DIY project and much-avoided clear-out
- Develop new gardening skills
- Learn to cook or bake
- Start to play an instrument
- Catch up with friends
Activity/Health
Now is a good time to think about your health. Being active and having a healthy heart has never been more important. A regular walk will make a big difference and there is plenty of workouts or classes online, no matter what your fitness level is.
Self-care
Managing our stress and anxiety levels is essential and many people use meditation or yoga. But everyone is different, and some find painting or gardening works. Explore some options and find what works for you.
Appreciation
The New Year gives us time to reflect and consider our surroundings, our family, friends, and appreciate all that is good in our lives. It also gives us the opportunity to consider changing things which perhaps were not so good for us.
