Tips and tricks to beat 'Blue Monday'

Monday, January 19, 2015, 6:00 AM - Some health officials and many Canadians mark the Monday of the last full week in January as the saddest day of the year. This is also known as Blue Monday.

The holiday season is over, the weather is bleak, we have less exposure to sunlight, new years resolutions have often been broken and the holiday debt has caught up. These are a few of the many factors that make Blue Monday the saddest day of the year and also contribute to Seasonal Affective Disorder. 

RELATED: Study finds that 43 per cent of Canadians experience 'Winter Blues.'

In order to combat Blue Monday and the winter blues we've compiled a list of tips and tricks:

Get Active: Exercise naturally increases endorphins in the body, which in turn trigger a positive feeling. Running or walking outdoors during the day is a great idea (if the weather is tolerable) because you get fresh air and sunlight. Another great idea is attending a group fitness class. Not only will you get the endorphins pumping, but also, it’s a fun and social environment. 

Maximize your exposure to daylight: Seemingly endless darkness in winter’s short days can make us feel less energized and gloomy. Try to get out in the sun for at least 10-20 minutes a day, whether that means walking to your mailbox or having a hot beverage outside on your lunch break.

Eat Wisely: If you’re anything like me, there’s nothing like a good slice of red velvet cake to get me excited. Sadly, simple carbs like cake, sugary muffins and white bread work to quickly raise energy levels followed shortly by a crash. Instead opt for complex carbs, they absorb slower into the body for long lasting energy, and healthy fats to help brain functionality. Good choices include, brown rice, starchy vegetables, fish, nuts and dark chocolate (in moderation). 

Make plans with friends and family: Connecting with loved ones is a great way to feel better. Surround yourself with positive people, because positivity really is contagious. Also, consider volunteering or joining a social group during the winter months to meet new people.

Make plans with friends and family: Connecting with loved ones is a great way to feel better. Surround yourself with positive people, because positivity really is contagious. Also, consider volunteering or joining a social group during the winter months to meet new people.

Plan a vacation: Scheduling a holiday allows us to look forward to something, however, it doesn’t necessarily have to be an expensive trip down south. Why not plan a vacation day doing something local, whether that means going skating or simply having a YOU day!

For more information of Seasonal Affective Disorder, please visit the Canadian Mental Health Association.

These tips will be helpful as cold weather takes at Canada at the end of January: