It’s that time of year again, folks: Blue Monday. The third Monday of January, supposedly the bleakest day of the year. But is it really all doom and gloom? And more importantly, what can we do to combat those January blues?
The truth is, Blue Monday is a bit of a marketing gimmick. The concept was dreamt up in 2005 by a holiday company to promote their post-Christmas travel deals. There’s no scientific evidence to support the claim that it’s the most depressing day of the year. In fact, studies have shown that people’s moods tend to be pretty stable throughout the year.
So, if Blue Monday isn’t actually a thing, why do we still feel a bit down in January? Well, there are a few reasons. The festive season is over, the weather is often grim, and we’re all back to the grind of work and school. It’s natural to feel a bit deflated after the excitement of Christmas.
But here’s the good news: there are plenty of things we can do to boost our mood, even on Blue Monday (or any other day for that matter). And one of the best things we can do is to get involved in the arts.
The arts: Your portal to happiness
Arts centres like The Atkinson are a hub of creativity and community. They offer a wide range of activities and events, from art exhibitions and theatre productions to music gigs and sidesplitting comedy. And there’s something for everyone, no matter what your age, interests, or budget.
Here are just a few of the ways that arts centres can be good for your mental health:
- We provide a welcome distraction from the stresses of everyday life. When you’re lost in a good book, viewing a masterpiece, or watching a captivating performance, you forget about your worries for a while.
- We can help you to connect with other people. Sharing experiences with others, whether it’s laughing at a comedy show or discussing a thought-provoking play, can build a sense of belonging and community.
- We can boost your creativity and imagination. Engaging with the arts can help you to think outside the box and see the world in new ways.
- We can improve your mood and well-being. Studies have shown that participating in the arts can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. It can also increase feelings of happiness and satisfaction.
So, this Blue Monday, why not ditch the doom and gloom and head to The Atkinson instead? You might just be surprised at how much it can lift your spirits.
Here are a few ideas for The Atkinson’s programme to beat the blues:
- Enroll in a workshop. It’s a fun and challenging way to learn something new! We have a number of classes available for 2024. See more here.
- See a comedy show. Laughter is the best medicine, right? Here’s our full comedy line up.
- Join a singing group. Singing is a great way to release endorphins and boost your mood. The Atkinson Wellbeing Choir meet up every Tuesday morning. Come along and make new friends!
- Get a library card. Books and reading is a portal to a whole new world. Southport Library offer a range of services to the local community and visitors alike.
- Visit an art exhibition. Immerse yourself in beautiful artwork and let it inspire you. We have a regularly changing exhibition programme presents work from our collection as well as contemporary art, family friendly and thematic exhibitions on display.
No matter what you choose to do, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy yourself. After all, that’s what art is all about!
Remember, Blue Monday is just a day. Don’t let it get you down. Get out there and explore the wonderful world of the arts. You might just find your new happy place.
Posted on 15 January 2024 under General news
