The first month of the year is supposed to be full of new beginnings and fresh starts.

Let’s get real, though, it’s the month when we feel the effects of holiday spending, holiday eating and early mornings now that we’re back at work.

If there weren’t already enough reasons to hate January, Dr Cliff Arnall has created an algorithm designed to predict the most depressing day of the year, and it’s coming up this month.

The algorithm was created by taking a number of factors into consideration, such as financial debt, failed New Year’s resolutions, and low motivational levels into account, reports Cape Town etc.

Are you ready to find out which day is destined to be the darkest of the year?

Drum roll, please…

January 21.

While sceptics have questioned the validity of these findings, it’s not surprising that the most depressing day of the year occurs in January, given the avalanche of bills that come crashing down on people in the month, not to mention the empty wallets left after the December festivities.

Aside the credit card debt we have to deal with, experts say that once the fun and festivities of the holidays are over and the lights and decorations have been taken down, our mood goes down with them.

The holidays tend to give us a temporary high, which then dies down as we ease back into everyday life. If the new year blues are getting you down, here’s a list of strategies compiled by a healthcare professional to help you beat the blues.

• Set yourself realistic expectations – even if it means scrapping your original list of New Year’s resolutions.
• Don’t procrastinate! The more you put things off, the more miserable you’ll feel.
• Identify activities that reduce stress in your life and make more room for them this year, such reading a good book, listening to music, spending time outdoors etc. 
• Try and incorporate regular exercise as physical activity can release endorphins which reduces stress levels and make you feel happy.
• Weeks of overindulgence can also leave you tired, so be sure to follow a nutritionally-balanced diet to help boost your mood.
• To deal with financial debt, make sure you make decisions that won’t worsen the situation. If you’re in a real pickle, consult a debt counsellor for advice.
• Stay positive by expressing gratitude for what you have and acknowledging the good things in your life. Being grateful is key to contentment.
• Don’t put a time-limit on happiness. We often hear people say they’ll be happy when it’s holidays again or when they have more money but doing so means wishing away valuable time. Rather embrace January and each month thereafter by filling your hours with things that add value to your life.
• Plan fun, yet affordable activities throughout the year so there’s something to look forward to all-year-round.

Finally, ‘the darkest day of the year’ is a good reason to pull a sickie, buy some ice-cream, and binge-watch series.

Also, remember that if you are suffering from anxiety or depression, help is at hand with SADAG.

[source:capetownetc]