Antidotes for a Depressing Time of Year

Around the end of January, post-holiday blues combine with bad weather, debt, allergens, failed resolutions, and long hours of darkness. In fact last year a scientist, using a formula of things that make us feel bad, labeled January 24 the most depressing day of the year.

It’s a nasty feedback loop of emotions and exte
al factors assaulting our immune system which weakens us, and making us susceptible to illness and emotional over-reactivity, which assaults us further, sapping our energy. We all have our individual moods, but when it’s global, it ‘s hard to find someone cheery and up beat to lift our own sagging spirits.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) peaks this time of year ( http://www.nmha.org/infoctr/factsheets/27.cfm) . Less hours of sunlight triggers the over-production of melatonin, a sleep-related hormone thought to be associated with depression.

And what’s on the horizon to look forward to? Valentine’s Day with a 50% divorce rate, and nearly half the adults in the US single, the pressure of more gift-giving, and no work holiday due again until May.

Furthermore, our self-esteem sags as most New Year’s resolutions have been broken by now and we can’t spend money, because we’re still paying off Christmas.

One thing we can do is prepare ourselves. How might you survive this day?

1. Distract yourself. The antidote, someone said, is salt – tears, sweat or the sea. If you can’t be on a cruise January 24th, you can immerse yourself in work, have a good workout at the gym, or shed a few tears and last it out. n
2. Work on your thoughts and self-talk. For instance, if January 24 is the most depressing day of the year, then any other day of the year is going to be better!

3. Gratitude. Focus on all the things you have to be grateful for, and the angst of a single day won’t matter much.

4. Sense of humor. Rent a funny video for that evening.

5. Perspective. How long can 24 hours be?

6. Use your EQ smarts and plan ahead. Schedule a massage, call your coach, have a good book handy, book some time with a kid or a dog, and smile!n