The third Monday of January has been named Blue Monday, as it's regarded as the most likely day of the year many of us feel downcast. Fear not, though, there are plenty of ways to beat the blues and inject some cheer into our lives.
Research has proven that certain foods can bolster our mood, especially those containing B vitamins, selenium and essential fatty acids. Get your pans and pressure cookers out and rustle up a hearty vegetable and lentil stew, or brown rice stir fry with salmon. Add a pinch of saffron, as this wonder herb is said to boast properties that can alleviate feelings of depression.,
Life often takes over and fuels stress levels, so spend some quality time with the family. Being around others improves our mood, especially if we devote time to fun activities. Dig your bakeware out and make cakes with the kids. Chocolate boosts feel-good hormones, so you've got a great excuse to make a delicious chocolate cake!,
Exercise is proven to improve mood, so put on your walking boots and get some fresh air for an instant feel-good factor. Work up an appetite and prepare one of your favourite family recipes when you get home. ,
An untidy or cluttered living environment can make us feel down, so don't give Blue Monday any excuse to make you feel low, and get your home in ship-shape order. Start in the kitchen, often the most cluttered room in the home, and tidy away pans and cookware into cupboards, store kitchen paraphernalia in boxes and even sort those minor repair jobs out that you meant to do all of last year. You'll feel so much better for it!,
Dehydration affects mood and energy levels, so kick Blue Monday into touch by keeping your fluid levels topped up throughout the day. Stick your Prestige kettle on and prepare soothing chamomile tea to hydrate you and keep stress levels at bay. Avoid caffeine and alcohol on Blue Monday, as these can stimulate feelings of anxiety. Everyone has their own way of cheering themselves up; join the conversation on twitter by following Prestige.
Eat to boost mood
Research has proven that certain foods can bolster our mood, especially those containing B vitamins, selenium and essential fatty acids. Get your pans and pressure cookers out and rustle up a hearty vegetable and lentil stew, or brown rice stir fry with salmon. Add a pinch of saffron, as this wonder herb is said to boast properties that can alleviate feelings of depression.,
Quality family time
Life often takes over and fuels stress levels, so spend some quality time with the family. Being around others improves our mood, especially if we devote time to fun activities. Dig your bakeware out and make cakes with the kids. Chocolate boosts feel-good hormones, so you've got a great excuse to make a delicious chocolate cake!,
Exercise
Exercise is proven to improve mood, so put on your walking boots and get some fresh air for an instant feel-good factor. Work up an appetite and prepare one of your favourite family recipes when you get home. ,
De-clutter
An untidy or cluttered living environment can make us feel down, so don't give Blue Monday any excuse to make you feel low, and get your home in ship-shape order. Start in the kitchen, often the most cluttered room in the home, and tidy away pans and cookware into cupboards, store kitchen paraphernalia in boxes and even sort those minor repair jobs out that you meant to do all of last year. You'll feel so much better for it!,
Stay hydrated
Dehydration affects mood and energy levels, so kick Blue Monday into touch by keeping your fluid levels topped up throughout the day. Stick your Prestige kettle on and prepare soothing chamomile tea to hydrate you and keep stress levels at bay. Avoid caffeine and alcohol on Blue Monday, as these can stimulate feelings of anxiety. Everyone has their own way of cheering themselves up; join the conversation on twitter by following Prestige.