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Say goodbye to feeling blue and welcome to a brand new day of positivity! "Blue Monday," which annually falls on the third Monday of January, is often labelled as the gloomiest day of the year. However, before you let that overwhelm you, did you know it was actually a concept introduced by a British travel agency in 2005 to persuade people to book winter vacations? Quite interesting, isn't it? Nowadays, the day serves as a reminder that even during the darkest winter days, cheerfulness and spring are just around the corner! So, embrace Blue Monday! Spread positivity, keep faith, and remember, it's a new day, a new opportunity! We say, let's turn Blue Monday into a day of optimism, resilience and unity. Let the blues fade away!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2005</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Creation of Blue Monday</div><div class='timeline-text'>Sky Travel, a British travel agency, introduces the concept of "Blue Monday," to encourage people to book winter vacations.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2006</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Annual Recognition Begins</div><div class='timeline-text'>Despite its commercial origins, "Blue Monday" rapidly becomes an annual observance, sparking conversations about mental health and wellbeing.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2010</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Criticism and Controversy</div><div class='timeline-text'>The scientific and mental health community criticises the concept of "Blue Monday," stating it trivializes depression and other mental health issues.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2013</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Campaigns for Positive Change</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first campaigns to change the narrative surrounding "Blue Monday" appear, emphasizing positivity and mental wellbeing over gloominess.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2015</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Rise of Charity Events</div><div class='timeline-text'>Charitable organizations start to use "Blue Monday" as a day to host fundraising events and promote awareness on mental health.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2021</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Continued Awareness and Action</div><div class='timeline-text'>"Blue Monday" continues to serve as a day for raising global awareness on mental health issues, encouraging positive actions and coping strategies.</div></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Brighten the day with colors</h3><p class='facts-text'>Combat the winter dreariness by dressing in bright colors. Not only will this draw attention away from the bleak weather, but it will also raise your spirits and those around you! Let your vibrant outfit be the catalyst for a positive mindset.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Embrace the outdoors</h3><p class='facts-text'>Don’t discount the peaceful beauty that winter has to offer. Wrap up in your warmest clothes and go for a walk in your local park. You could even happily discover a winter wonderland with snow covered trees.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Connect with others</h3><p class='facts-text'>Feeling blue on Blue Monday is common so, reach out to others. Call a friend or family member who lifts your spirits, organize a video chat with someone you miss, or just share a smile with a stranger. Joy shared is joy doubled!</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Practice mindfulness</h3><p class='facts-text'>Take time to relax and meditate. It helps in reducing stress and improving psychological health. Choose a quiet place, and for a few minutes, focus on your breath and let go of the sadness and negativity that Blue Monday could bring.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Create your own special treat</h3><p class='facts-text'>Turn the tide on Blue Monday by spoiling yourself with your favorite food, binge-watch a series you love or, plan a mini spa session at home. It's okay to pamper yourself once in a while, especially when you're feeling down.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>A Day to Practice Positivity</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Blue Monday does not have to be all gloomy - it's the perfect day to practice positivity and resilience. Encouraging positive thinking and sharing that influence with those around you can turn this allegedly gloomy day into one filled with joy, hope, and connectivity.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>A Chance to Reconnect with Loved Ones</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Human connection is a powerful tool to combat the blues. Blue Monday can serve as a special reminder to reach out to friends or family who make you feel better, and engage in quality conversations. Just a simple video chat can make a huge difference in someone's day!</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>A Perfect Opportunity for Self Care</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>This special day can act as an excuse to take care of yourself and indulge in your favorite activities. Whether that's food, TV shows, relaxation exercises, or even an at-home spa session - Blue Monday is a great day to treat yourself a little extra and ward off the winter blues.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Blue Monday wasn't named because of depressed feelings</h3><p class='facts-content'>Sky Travel commissioned Dr. Cliff Arnall, widely considered the father of 'Blue Monday,' to create a formula assessing winter travel trends. The formula included variables such as weather conditions, debt, time since Christmas, and failed New Year's resolutions—ultimately landing on the third Monday of January as the most depressing day.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>"Beat Blue Monday" events gained traction over time</h3><p class='facts-content'>In response to the gloomy narrative surrounding Blue Monday, "Beat Blue Monday" events started popping up everywhere. Targeting mental health stigma and promoting wellbeing, these became a powerful force against depression.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>'Blue Monday' is often associated with discounted travel deals</h3><p class='facts-content'>After Sky Travel invented this holiday, other travel companies started offering discounted travel deals to capitalize on the buzz around 'Blue Monday,' using this day to boost mid-winter sales.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Cliff Arnall released a Positive Psychology Equation on Blue Monday</h3><p class='facts-content'>Dr. Cliff Arnall, who initially devised the Blue Monday concept, issued a 'Positive Psychology Equation' on the same day in 2017. This equation encourages positive behavior, replacing variables like weather and debt with motivation and a feeling of being valued.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Blue Monday isn't scientifically proven to be the most depressing day of the year</h3><p class='facts-content'>Whilst Blue Monday is popularly referred to as the most depressing day of the year, it's important to remember that it was initially part of a marketing campaign and doesn't have any real scientific standing. Mental health conditions are complex and cannot be boiled down to a single day.</p></div></div>
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