Have you heard of Blue Monday?
It stems from a calculation used to determine when people are likely to feel their worst.
Of course, it lands on a Monday because…who likes Mondays?
Also, it’s far enough past the holiday shopping season that people are starting to receive their bills (and regret their overspending). Combine these elements with the fact that it’s far enough past January 1st that people have broken their New Year’s resolutions and, of course, you have the perfect recipe for gloom!
Even if the psychology behind Blue Monday (which typically falls on the third Monday of the month) isn’t necessarily rooted in science, there are some elements of the saddest day of the year worth discussing.
The Weather Can Affect Our Mood
The grays and blues that fill the landscape as fall and winter replace the sunshine and warmth of spring can have a stronger impact on the way some people feel. If you find that you feel more sadness, less energy, and want to sleep more and more during the day, you might need a vitamin D boost.
Scientists have found that bright light changes the chemical balance in the brain, so when some people are exposed to less and less bright light those important changes don’t take place as often. Additionally, less bright light means the body is converting less sunlight to Vitamin D in the body. Many people can be helped through light box therapy, vitamins, supplements, and dietary changes.
The Gut-Brain Connection Is An Essential Part of Wellness
Your brain and your GI system are deeply connected. A troubled intestine can send signals to the brain, just as a troubled brain can send signals to the gut. A poor diet can affect both your physical and mental health. All of those holiday cookies, cocktails, and late nights can really start to add up this time of year- and you might start to feel the difference in your health.
The good news is that a personalized functional medicine plan can help you move away from illness and toward optimal health. Our services help many people prevent illnesses, reverse symptoms and regain health and happiness in life.
It’s easier to blame how you’re feeling around this time of year on ‘Blue Monday’, but don’t shrug it off as something we all go through. Use this popular to take a moment to reflect on your post-holiday health and wellness.
Our personalized medicine services can help you improve mental clarity, reduce fatigue, achieve your ideal health goals, and regain control of your life!
