Banishing the blues

14:22 15 October 2010

Recent reports have suggested that people are now the most depressed on a Tuesday – dispelling the myth of the Monday blues.

In a survey conducted by iPhone, in which 22,000 people used a special application to monitor their mood, they found that they generally felt worse on a Tuesday.

With this and the fact that dark, gloomy nights are swiftly approaching, we offer tips on what you can do to beat those miserable winter blues.

1 – Remember, remember Halloween and 5 November
Whilst the build up to Christmas can add extra stress – who to buy for, what to buy, where are you spending Christmas Day – don’t forget there is plenty of fun to have before then.
Halloween and Bonfire Night always manage to conjure up some exciting events that all the family can enjoy, so why not buy some costumes, throw a few fake spiders around and wrap up warm to enjoy some fireworks.
Also, experts suggest that scaring yourself can release happy hormones. Having a right good scare can increase stimulation and adrenaline, making you feel happy and (afterwards!) relaxed.
So, rent a good horror film, get yourself to a theme park or do something sports-related for that little added feel-good factor.

2 – Spring clean...in winter
Nothing makes you feel more down than a pile of washing, dirty dishes or an untidy house to come home to after a long, miserable day at work.
DonÂ’t put everything off until the weekend, though, as this is your time of rest.
Choose a day during the week where you can have a massive clean and then keep on top of it thereafter. With kids around, this can be tricky, but cleaning up after yourself and others will have positive affects in the long run.

3 – Eat the right foods
Nothing makes you feel and look better on the outside than eating some fresh, homely winter warming foods.
To start the day, try eating porridge; with its slow energy releasing glycaemic levels, your blood sugar is kept at a regular level until itÂ’s lunchtime. It will also make you feel all warm inside when setting off for work.
Avoid quick energy boosters like chocolate and swap them for foods like beans, turkey, cottage cheese and wholemeal bread, which each have serotonin that is known to lift your mood.

4 – Laugh!
The best thing to make you instantly feel better is to laugh, so whenever you find something funny write it down to remember during the dull winter nights.
This way, you can look back at them and say “remember when...”.
Also, hang out with the people you find lift your spirits the most – whether that be your partner, your best friend or your parents.

5 – Watch some good TV
Grab a blanket, hot water bottle and the remote and kick back to watch your favourite TV programme – or just some devilishly tacky show.
Taking yourself out of your current environment and into the unreal lives of your favourite soap characters can make you forget your troubles for even just a short while.
Invest in some box sets, make yourself a brew and self indulge in some memorable TV moments.