Five Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Let ‘Blue Monday’ Get To You

The third Monday in January is considered the most depressing day of the year, but why is it so "depressing"?

According to psychologist, Dr. Cliff Arnall, there are a bunch of factors that makes the third Monday in January such a bummer. From the weather, to the excitement of the holidays wearing off, to people starting to fail at their New Year's resolutions, there are a number of reasons why people might start feeling a little blue. But there are also plenty of reasons why you shouldn't let Blue Monday get to you.

• Blue Monday starts a much needed conversation about depression. Do I agree with people calling it the "most depressing day of the year"? No, because I think it trivializes how serious depression really is, but I do think it's great that the day has turned into a day of awareness for mental health. Instead of being bummed today try talking about your feelings, or letting the people in your life know that you are there if they ever need someone to talk to. The fact that our society has made so many steps in the right direction when it comes to mental health is something worth celebrating.
• Today is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Today is a day that celebrates the life and legacy of a truly amazing man who brought hope into so many peoples lives. The lessons that Dr. King taught us have helped shape our country and unite us in love. Today is a day to remember his inspiring words and put into action his values of "courage, truth, justice, compassion, dignity, humility and service". Because of Martin Luther King, Jr. we have so much to look forward to and work towards, and that is something we should all be happy about.
• You don't need a New Year's resolution to make a change in your life. So many people get down on themselves when they let their New Year's resolutions slip, why? You don't really need the New Year to start a new you, you can make a positive change in your life whenever you want. Who cares if you missed the gym for a couple days, get back in there! The fact that we have control over our own lives and our own destiny's should make everyone happy. And you know what? Making the decision to tell Blue Monday "screw you" and making today the first day of a new you is a great way to celebrate "the most depressing day of the year".
• It's Mardi Gras season! Yeah, I know you just read that and smiled. I mean, how could you not? Between the balls, parades, king cake, and all of the Fat Tuesday festivities, there is a lot to look forward to. So, tell Blue Monday "not today" and cut yourself an extra large slice of king cake. Heck, drink a hurricane! It's 5 o'clock somewhere, right?
• Someone literally made up Blue Monday, it's not real. If reading through those four reasons didn't convince you that you shouldn't be down in the dumps today, how about the fact that Blue Monday isn't real? Yes, a psychologist made a formula and did some scientific stuff to "prove" that today is the most depressing day of the year, but all he really did was make people think that it's the most depressing day of the year, which in turn makes people feel sad. It's only a bummer of a day if you make it that way. If you think today is going to be miserable, it's going to be miserable. So, I'm here to tell Dr. Cliff Arnall and his Blue Monday theory to take a hike, we don't want it.