Blue Monday is not a thing. The third Monday of January, which falls on Jan. 16 this year, is said to be the saddest day of the year, but it’s really just a marketing stunt. However, there might be some truth to people feeling “the blahs” this time of the year, perhaps because of the post-holiday wind-down and winter’s largely negative effect on mood.

So, how do you tackle the blahs? Here are a few tips to shift your mood. 

Bump Up Berries

Increase your berry intake, particularly blueberries. Blueberries are high in antioxidants, which also lessen the symptoms of anxiety and depression. Even better, add blueberries to your yogurt. Yogurt is rich in probiotics essential to the production of neurochemicals such as serotonin and dopamine, and both affect your mood. 

Send Positive Vibes

Take a quick pause and text 3 friends. Share a compliment, or send some love and tell them they are appreciated. Acts of kindness produce serotonin which has been shown to promote calmness and a peaceful feeling that combats depression and anxiety. 

Get Outside

Get outside, even if it’s only for 5 minutes. Dozens and dozens of research studies have shown that exposure to light, getting outdoors, and walking are all instant mood boosters. 

Master Your Mood is all about focusing on feeling good FIRST. When we FEEL something different, we DO something different, which can lead to lasting, healthy changes. Want to learn more about how food impacts your mental health? Check out this video about the SONG diet for mental health.