Blue Monday

On By Mick CanningIn Blue Monday, winter

The third Monday in January – Blue Monday – is supposedly the worst day of the year for those who suffer from depression. So here we are on the 20th, Blue Monday. But there is no scientific reason for this date to be singled out, it is just a modern myth invented, apparently, by a UK travel company who presumably intended it to prompt people to take foreign holidays to cheer themselves up. However, I can see some justification for the claim, while also seeing a certain hope. Justification, because I tend to feel depressed and miserable at this time of the year. Tired. Lacking in energy or, indeed, motivation.

But also a certain hope; by now the daylight hours are lengthening, which becomes apparent when we are fortunate enough to have clear skies around sunrise or sunset. New growth is apparent, with new shoots finding their way up through the earth and leaf or blossom buds swelling on trees and bushes.

I feel so tired at this time of the year. I just feel I need to survive this winter, just get through it. I shall light a fire, wrap up warm, pour a beer and read a pile of books. I am in touch with my inner dormouse and intend to essentially hibernate until Spring.

34 thoughts on “Blue Monday”

      1. John Bainbridge's avatar John Bainbridge

        Years ago, they put me on five different ones, (not at the same time). None made the slightest difference and I felt like death coming off one of them. Also got sent for therapy, didn’t work! I have found it has eased as I’ve got older.

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  3. Not a great time of the year for so many of us with SAD (SEASONAL AFFECTED DISORDER), But new growth builds new hope. Just be careful that dormice could be a tasty treat for any passing Owls Mick, and look after yourself. To date, no-one has produced a book as good as the Night Bus better to read under the covers at night. Hugs

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  4. I can see why the English invented the idea. With long period of grey weather your find it less encouraging to go for a walk and breathe all this damp cold.

    also, D vitamins from the sun are not present. Better buy a pack. 😊.

    we look for the light behind all this grey. 🌥️

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  6. Michael Graeme's avatar Michael Graeme

    Ah, another dormouse. I know what you mean, Mick. Feels bitterly cold at the moment – 4 or 5 degrees seems colder than freezing. I was noticing the shoots of what I guess are bluebells just appearing in the garden and that slight lengthening of the days. We’re impatient to get on, but there’s still the weight of winter upon us. Read books, hibernate – good advice.

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  9. Every day when at home, I walk for two hours out on the country roads. The only thing that kept me in was sub zero (Fahrenheit) temperatures. Just being outside keeps the blues away. But now I am a snowbird and today I will walk two hours out into the desert.

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  11. Hi Mick, long winter would get people depressed. We moved to Oregon from Southern California two years ago to be closer to the grandkids. It rains six months a year. I have a hard time getting through the gloomy winter but the grandkids keep our hearts warm.
    Your list of things to do sounds like a good idea. Music may help if you like music. Longer days are coming. 😍☀️

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  14. In touch with your inner doormouse, eh? I like it! A lot of photographers like this time of year because the angle of the sun is low, making for really nice light. But of course, it’s often too cloudy to see that…and here, it’s damp all winter and spring. And chilly. But as you noted, new shoots are appearing and the days are longer. The birds are singing, too, I love that. TIme for a little extra B12 vitamins, sunshine if you can get it, and bookish hibernation if you can’t. 😉

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    1. Yes, it’s certainly possible to take some great photos at this time of year. I think I’m okay for B12 (although a bit of extra marmite on toast never goes amiss) and the sunshine would be most welcome if it showed up!

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  15. I’ve got to remember this for the future ~ so I can make my plans to visit the local pub and drown my winter blues 🤠! “Tired. Lacking in energy or, indeed, motivation.” is the feeling that hits right about mid-January and expands throughout February ~ but to be honest, it is a self-perpetuating pity because my sights are set on spring to break out into the chaos of sunshine and growth 😂!

    Your second photograph is a perfect example of both the beauty of the stark winter feel, and I am going to take inspiration from you ~ here’s to lighting a fire, snuggling up warm with a book and a whiskey, and riding out the final winter’s touch with books and drifting thoughts. Cheers to your well thought out plan 🥂!

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    1. One of my better plans, I like to think. It can be as cold as it likes, but coupled with a miserable bleak dampness is just more than I can cope with now. It’s another one this morning, and I just know we’ll light the log-burner later and sit around it reading.

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