How to pick yourself up this Blue Monday
Written by Yasmin Elizabeth
WHAT IS BLUE MONDAY?
Not only is today Monday, but it’s also said to be the most depressing day of the year. The combination of the dark cold nights, post-Christmas blues and it being a particularly hard month financially has awarded it the name of ‘Blue Monday’. Here are a few words of motivation to keep your head up this Blue Monday.
ACKNOWLEDGE WHY YOU MAY BE FEELING BLUE
Is it just Blue Monday or a has it been a full-on blue season? Because it has felt very blue a lot of the time recently! Instead of me telling you to reject every ‘blue’ feeling or tell you to check your mindset I want to remind you that you may have a few reasons to feel the way you do:
-You could be missing your loved ones
-Missing your ‘normal’ routine
-Experiencing cyber burnout but still wanting that feeling of connection
So the last thing you would want to do is add extra pressure by telling yourself off for feeling what a lot of people are probably experiencing right now alongside you. With that acknowledgment I pray you feel a little lighter and remind yourself that right now is a tough time. Blue Monday or not!
PICK YOURSELF UP
A lot of what is going on is external and it feels like we have less and less control over that. Something that has helped me has been to focus on my internal and the things I can do that will pick me up. Here are some ‘Pick Me Ups’ for you to try this blue Monday and any day:
Breathe
A lot of the time we are so wrapped up in what we are doing that we forget to simply breathe! Make sure you stop and take a few deep breaths throughout the day, especially when you are feeling anxious. Pop on the Sapphire sheet mask which is designed to help you to relax. The great thing about working from home is being able to wear a sheet mask at your desk!
Have some quiet time (I try to get mine in before my son wakes up)
It has been particularly difficult to have a quiet moment since working from home, but try to take a few moments to yourself, even if you have to just go sit in the bathroom! Grab a cup of tea and some eye pads and have a quick self-care moment.
Open your windows and your blinds
Having been in lockdown for so long it’s important that we structure our days and some fresh air and sunlight is the perfect way to start your day. Get your eyes ready for the day with the Morning goggle eye mask.
Have a clear out
Sometimes a cluttered space can lead to a cluttered mind. Clear your space and make more room for yourself to think and breathe!
Set out your intentions
I find that it helps to set myself intentions no mater how big or small. I have actually designed a calendar with a monthly ‘Pick Me Up’ style quote and a #makeithappen section to encourage you to do something to bring that quote to life. It’s a good way to structure your intentions and take the steps needed to fulfilling them.
Speak to a friend
Sometimes all we need is a good chat with a friend about big and small things to lift our spirits. Why not have a masking moment together over zoom?
Dance or workout (Involve the kids if you have them)
Getting your blood pumping and body moving is a great way to pick yourself up. I have been joining in with @shredwithwoz daily workouts on instagram live which is a great community of people who are also motivated to keep fit for their body and minds. My son Cameron also loves joining in!
Treat yourself to a mask moment
Applying a sheet mask forces you to stop and take a moment for yourself. The Vitamasques Gemstone bundle is designed to relax and recharge your mind. Choose from Ruby, Citrine, Sapphire or Jade, sit back grab your Jade Roller and unwind! Don’t forget about your hair! The Coconut and Argan Hair Masque smells like holiday, so close your eyes and imagine the sound of the waves and wind through the palm trees whilst the hair mask works its magic!
Pray or meditate
No matter your religion or beliefs, taking time to practice gratitude will bring you a moment of peace. This is also a perfect time to mask!
Get outside
If you’re able to, getting some fresh air will help to refresh your mind and get your body moving. You can wear our lip mask out under your mask and nobody will ever know!
Stay hydrated
Water keeps us going so don’t forget to drink and refuel your body and mind. I have created a Pick Me Up herbal tea in collaboration with Sipp tea. Each tea bag has a ‘Pick Me Up’ affirmation quote to motivate you with every cup! Don’t forget to hydrate your skin too, the Vitamasques hydroglow cream nourishes your skin whilst giving it a healthy glow.
Watch something uplifting
There’s nothing better than zoning out and watching a feel-good movie. Sheet mask, popcorn and glass of wine optional but definitely recommended!
Listen to music
I don’t know about you, but I love losing myself in a song, singing at the top of my lungs and dancing along, especially in my car. Don’t be shy, let it out!
Stop comparing yourself to others
Comparison really is the thief of joy. It’s absolutely fine to be inspired by others but if comparing yourself to others is damaging your mental health and self-esteem then cut it out!
Keep your eyes and energy on your own lane
Focusing on your own goals will get you to the finish line faster. Keep your eyes on the prize and be ready to enjoy the fruits of your labour.
Release a big loud SIGH and don’t forget to laugh
Sometimes physically letting go of things can really take a weight off your shoulders. Try it and see what happens.
Write a to-do list
By doing this you’re putting less pressure on yourself to remember what to do. It’s also a good way to see your tasks written down so you can plan your time accordingly. Ticking things off your list is a great feeling, don’t forget to reward yourself for completing it!
Breathe some more and just remember it’s really ok to take it all one day at a time
The past year has been challenging so again, don’t forget to BREATHE and take things as they come.
BE KIND TO YOURSELF
Something else I do is take note of my inner critic and I try to think of what I would say to a friend feeling blue.
Would I say:
‘Omg you’re so low and demotivated, you haven’t even got moving with your new year’s resolutions, nobody will take you seriously. Get a grip, nobody will want to be around you’
No!
Instead try saying:
‘I hear you and I am sorry you’re finding things extra hard right now. Please take your time and be gentle with yourself. Sometimes we feel down because we are responding to something that is happening and the normal feelings attached to that. Even though this may not be nice, it is actually a normal reaction. Don’t be so hard on yourself!’
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN OUR INNER VOICES IS REAL, yet how many of us automatically kick in with voice number 1? Be kinder to yourself.
TAKE TIME FOR SELF-CARE
So, I leave you with this, at a time where things feel heavy try not to add an extra heavy load on yourself. Seek support where you can whether professional or simply speaking to a trusted friend. Practice the above Pick Me Ups when you need them. Say no to things you need to and say yes to yourself a little more. Self-care isn’t selfish, do not forget to fill up your own cup so you have extra to pour on to others. This is your reminder that you can get through all the Mondays, even one said to be the most depressing day of the year!
Written by Yasmin Elizabeth
