Many of us have discovered how the delights of nature, being out in the garden, enjoying a walk etc can help us feel more positive and lowers the chance of depression.
Related Post - Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) - read it here
One of the best ways of improving your mental health in winter is outdoor exercise, and unlike gym membership it's free. Yes, I know that when it's freezing cold outside staying indoors does seem tempting, but I'm pretty sure Alfred Wainwright the famous UK rambler said "there's no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing" ... so let's all try to dress appropriately and go for a walk today - or indeed (if you can) do a little gardening.
Once back from your walk or gardening, have a cup of your favourite warm beverage ... mine is tea, what will you have?
If for any reason you are not able to have a walk, then the next best thing would be to enjoy a breath of fresh air, by simply breathing in some fresh air can give a boost to how we feel.
33 comments:
A mi me gusta caminar y leer y eso siempre ayuda a la salud mental. Te mando un beso.
I usually don't struggle with SAD. This year I have been slightly, mostly in the evenings.
I find walking after dinner in the evening gives me my best fasting glucose readings. :-) I've never heard of blue Monday, but January was definitely not my favorite month when we lived in Illinois. My daughter tells me 7 degree F weather is forecasted for the next few days.
Post interessante.Buona settimana.
...I'm not blue, but seeing a blue sky would be nice!
Enjoy blue monday as best you can! Our temps are freezing this week -12c. Thanks for weighing in on the multi grain cheerios! -Christine cmlk79.blogspot.com
I like seeing the picture of you!
We are experiencing extremely cold weather, severe weather warning through tomorrow night with snow and below 0 degrees Fahrenheit. So, I'll be on my treadmill tomorrow! :) But I agree, fresh air and being outside is very good for you. Hopefully we can soon be back outside.
I've heard of Monday Blues mostly for the northern hemisphere.
Interesting reading, Jan.
Oh yes. Our winter is not as cold as yours (or as long) but I always feel better for a walk. Even in summer - though I go early or late.
When I had a huge picture window with a view of trees, flowers, shrubs, the view was very refreshing to me. That was back when I could still take walks and work in the yard. Now that I cannot get out much and cannot take a walk, I I really miss it as I don't live in that house.
Exercise is the best antidepressant
A timely post. Luckily, I have work to distract me today, but it felt like Blue Sunday for me, yesterday. Thankfully, going for a short run helped. Xx
I never used to suffer in January until I lived in Iceland. It would seem that four years of living with near total darkness for three months of the year tipped me. I hardly go outside now during the winter because the winds can just whip me off my feet and that's it.
Have a lovely week. Debbie Debbie.
Actually, here down on the 42nd parallel the weather is rainy too.
I hope you'll have a nice new week, Jan :-)
Hello,
I have not heard of Blue Monday. There are so many ways to lift our spirits.
I lift mine by turning off the news. Taking a walk and enjoy the fresh air is one of my favorite things. I just wish it was warmer outside. Take care, have a great day!
Fresh air and a change of scenery are so important for health. Walking in the woods and breathing in the 'green' air is wonderful.
I forgot that it was Blue Monday! Thankfully I've never felt the effects of this day but acknowledge the fact that many will struggle! Your words of wisdom offer sound advice in facing this day and maneuvering through it!
Blue Monday will always be a song to me. I'm drinking my coffee as I type this, and keeping warm indoors. Take care and have a great week xx
That's true. We have a new president who is a felon and a few other things I won't say, it is bitterly cold and I need to go out and shovel. I hope you have fantastic blue Monday.
I love this time of year. The more dark, cloudy and overcast it is the better.
I have only heard about this Blue Monday today! Walking is the best I think :-D
Fitting our First Felon is being Crowned on Blue Monday though I tend to think of the next 4 years as Dumpster Fires. Enjoy your day!
Great picture, Jan! It's fun to see your lovely face. Winter is tough here, snowed 8 inches last night and it's freezing outside...but it's bright and sunny. That's always nice!
I love the exhilarating feeling after a walk or worjing outside, despite the cold weather. I'll have a cup of tea after mine :)
Jo
Not troubled by the blues, but as you know I do walk every morning.
Going for walks is my favorite way to exercise and enjoy the fresh air! Had today (Monday) off from work for MLK Day and decided to watch the Presidential Inauguration. It was GREAT to see!!
God Bless, Jan!
Well, I did go for a couple of walks today with my dog, but they were short ones because there was snow and ice and the temperature is well below freezing. Also, I have a sprained ligament in my knee so I’m trying very hard to not twist it again.
It was blue Monday here yesterday for entirely different reasons. We are entering the reign of terror here. (Not to mention the polar vortex!)
It has been so frigid cold here, below zero that I don't go outside unless I have to, thankful for my stationary bike to get my exercise. But have been enjoying sunshine we have had the past couple of days, after all the snow, ice and sleet with cloudy gloomy days it is so nice to see that sun again :)
I totally agree that nature has such comforting properties so walking of exercising in nature is best
El jardÃn me ayuda muchÃsimo en mi salud mental. Un abrazo.
Good to get out and about.
Yes, being outside in the fresh air can make a huge difference to our whole well being.
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