18th January is the “most depressing day of the year,” or so the theory goes. The concept of Blue Monday, which falls on the third Monday of January, has been around for a while.
Supposedly it’s based on a formula that takes into account the weather, the motivation, debt levels, and time since Christmas though many put it down simply to a long-lived PR stunt.
self-care Ideas
Whichever way users look at it, the dark January days can certainly take their toll, not least under lockdown. SO Energy has already shared its slightly different approach to new year’s resolutions, and now it is turning its attention to small things it can do to feel good in both body and mind.
Let’s face it, there are an increasing number of buzz-worthy wellness trends out there but how to tell the fad from the fact? This Blue Monday, the following are a few ideas for small, proven, and accessible ways to help feel as good as possible.
Ice ice baby
Having a daily cold shower has been shown to reduce stress, stimulate the immune system
Cold water therapy is having a bit of a moment right now. This is partially thanks to Wim Hof, also known as the iceman, an extreme athlete who has set World Records for swimming underneath the ice. Sound appealing?! Perhaps not, but there’s one element of the so-called ‘Wim Hof Method’ that’s a little less daunting, and can be done for free inside a home: namely, taking a cold shower.
Having a daily cold shower has been shown to reduce stress, stimulate the immune system, and aid concentration, all benefits SO Energy could probably do during January. And the good thing is, even a 30-second cold blast at the end of the regular shower will do the trick.
Catch up on sleep
Okay, so sleep could hardly be described as a breakthrough wellness trend, but with The Times listing sleep tech amongst its top 10 health trends for 2021, it’s clear users are waking up to the importance of getting enough rest.
Currently, many users simply aren’t getting enough zzz’s. Research from the British Sleep Society shows that, in the UK, less than half of users are getting a refreshing night’s sleep during the pandemic.
Solution
The solution? The self-care hacks are many and varied, from infrared sauna blankets to pre-bedtime sleep workouts. Users will probably be sticking to some simpler tips: getting as much exercise as they can during the day, an evening bath, and having at least an hour of device-free time before bed.
If users are following SO Energy's lead and switching off their devices, make sure they turn everything that’s in standby mode completely off, in order to save around £30 a year. Users can buy power strips that allow them to do this at the push of a button.
Shine on
Not only is natural light proven to boost productivity, but it’ll also save on the electricity bill too
Lastly, pay attention to the lighting at home. Users know that the short days and lack of sunshine can make January a particularly difficult time, but there are small things they can do at home to give the body the dose of the light it's craving.
Start by using this as a time to reassess your set-up. If users work from home, could they move the desk space closer to a window, for example? Not only is natural light proven to boost productivity, but it’ll also save on the electricity bill too.
Artificial lighting
As for artificial lighting, coziness is key. Dimmable overhead lighting will avoid that office-style glare, and choose energy-saving light bulbs both use less energy, and therefore reduce the carbon footprint of the home.
If users already have a smart meter and in-home display (IHD) installed, they’ll be able to monitor their usage in real-time to see what’s costing them money, and any changes could make as a result.