Happy Blue Monday

Today has been declared by depression expert, psychologist Cliff Arnall, "Blue Monday." Using complicated formulas evaluating several factors, he has determined that this is officially the GLOOMIEST DAY OF THE YEAR. Let's celebrate!

But I don't feel it. Although the heating unit isn't working at my house, and it's 20 degrees outside, I don't feel blue today, except for blue hands and lips from the cold.

Blue Monday this year coincides with Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, so at least some people are getting the day off of work and school. That should skew the 'feelings' trend upward a notch for some of us. And I can think of a couple of NFL football teams who are pretty happy today after yesterday's wins. (But I guess they are cancelled out by the teams that lost, who are feeling the blues today.)

Blue Monday, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, completely unrelated except for the fact that they happen to fall on the same day this year. Which reminds me, don't let the day go by without doing a little reading or research about the Civil Rights movement. Appreciate how far we've come, but also realize how far we have to go as a nation and neighborhood.

According to an article posted on ananova.com, the factors contributing to the gloom of Blue Monday are:

1. The weather
2. Christmas debt
3. A feeling of monotony after the Christmas cheer has faded
4. Broken New Year's resolutions (already?)
5. Low levels of motivation
6. A desperate feeling that you need to act to improve your life

Dr. Arnall has some advice for us too. He says to simply stop moaning.

Here's how he puts it: "If you are a regular whiner or moaner about the weather or minor ailments, stop. It is boring and you are boring. Focus on the good things you do have in your life. If one of your limbs does not work, focus on the three that do."

Is it Blue Monday for you? Which of the factors are playing the biggest role in your day today? Which are you rising above? What color would you say YOUR day is today?