In case you didn’t know, yesterday was officially the most depressing day of the year!

… so congratulations for surviving it in tact!
We are well aware here at Wondrlust that in all probability there will be other ‘Blue Mondays’ throughout the year (or other days of the week for that matter … ‘Terrible Tuesday’ or ‘Washout Wednesday’ … you get the point!)

But it doesn’t have to be that way, you can take control. Here are some suggestions how:

Capitalise on the light.

Natural light helps stabilise serotonin and triggers endorphin, both mood-boosting hormones. See if you can get outside for at least ten minutes today. You could enhance the positive effects by combining your time outside with the second suggestion.

Take aerobic exercise.

Any steady movement you enjoy—walking, jogging, swimming, cycling—boosts endorphins, and will leave you feeling calmer and happier. Your efforts may even mean you’ll include the next suggestion automatically.

Smile.

When you smile, you release a cascade of feel-good chemicals in your brain. Your body relaxes, and blood pressure may be lowered. Smiling is contagious, too, so if you smile at others you’ll help them feel better as well.

Be grateful.

Recent research has shown that when you take time to appreciate what you already have, you’ll feel more energetic and optimistic. Make a list of things you’re grateful for, and people you’re grateful you know.

Practice altruism.

There’s a growing body of research that links altruistic behaviour with improved health and a greater sense of wellbeing. Offer someone a genuine compliment, and/or make a contribution to a charity.