Researchers
at Cardiff University have determined that Monday 21st January 2013
is Blue Monday - the most depressing day of the year!
They
calculated this by looking at six factors:
- Weather conditions (cold and
grey)
- Debt levels (and our ability to
repay that debt)
- Time elapsed since the Christmas
holidays
- Time elapsed since abandoning New
Year Resolutions
- Lack of motivation
- Lack of having anything to look
forward to in the near future
I have really
noticed since the Christmas holidays were over how subdued people have been in
the supermarket and around the town.
But stop
worrying now because this year 21 January is also National Hug Day!
I know what
you’re thinking, ‘There’s colds and bugs around, why do I want to hug someone?’ Well firstly, having a positive attitude is
very good for your immune system.
Secondly, making social connections is essential for boosting your mental
health.
And finally giving
and receiving hugs causes our body to release the ‘feel good’ hormone
oxytocin. Oxytocin has been credited
with numerous body-and-mind benefits, including: giving us healthier hearts;
improving our relationships with other people; slowing down the ageing process,
and (critically) making us feel happier.
If you’re not
ready for that hug yet, you can achieve similar results from giving and
receiving smiles and you can do that from a safe distance!
Have a Happy
Monday!
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