Monday 24th January is apparently the most depressing day of the year. The third Monday iin January, dubbed “Blue Monday,” marks the occasion when post-Christmas gloom is at its highest point, according to The Guardian.
The name “Blue Monday” came about after British psychologist Cliff Arnall devised a formula six years ago for just why people feel so dispirited every year on this day. He came up with a complicated equation that contains seven variables such as weather, debt, monthly salary, time since Christmas, and low motivational levels. No one needs an equation like the one devised by the former Cardiff University lecturer to tell them that horrible weather, no holidays in sight and a bad economy are the perfect storm for feeling generally bad on this day.
As a Christmas lover, I have always found January the hardest month to adjust to. I miss my children when they return to school, I find the dark nights and bad weather restricting. Today my jeans won’t button up, it is pouring with rain and one of my best friends is about to emigrate to Australia.
On Sunday I listened to a great sermon that challenged me to think with an eternal perspective about the New year.(http://pacificcoastchurch.org/click on sermon for January 2nd)
Be content in every circumstance and be grateful.
Philippians 4 v 11 -13.’I have learned to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength.’
So now I’m not even allowed to wallow in self pity! I am trying to see God’s big picture and remember all that He has done for me. I am trying not to join in when others moan and to concentrate on God’s peace. As the 24th of January approaches I will let you know how I get on!
How do you feel about January? How do you cope with negative feelings? Can you witness to others through your contentment during this time of year?
1 thought on “Blue Monday – the worst day of the year?”
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Wouldn’t normally place much importance on dates like this, however it was interesting reading this today on black monday!! After my back giving out on Thursday, an RTA on Friday (resulting in whiplash for 2 of us, dr’s and xrays followed), a lovely letter on Saturday from tax office stating hubby had been under taxed by ALOT, and my dog being attacked by 3 others today (along with all the calls etc regarding the RTA) – I decided I would allow myself to wallow for a little while on Black Monday! I know we are safe and I know He was looking out for us on Friday but still!!!
Here is to Terrific Tuesday!!