Earlier this week we all experienced Blue Monday. It’s the perfect tune for a cold winter’s night, but we’re not talking New Order tunes. His Blue Monday, January 16th, this year is widely considered the most depressing day of the year. Here’s a list of simple self-care activities that can help you fight dark, dreary nights instead of blowing the blues away.
make a simple meal
It may sound counterintuitive for most people with depression, but cooking can actually help. A 2017 study found that cooking for yourself can boost positive feelings about yourself. Cooking allows you to have delicious, healthy, filling meals and delicious and rewarding desserts.
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Worried about cooking in the dormitory? A no-bake recipe is recommended. From cheesecake to edible cookie dough, the world of desserts is at your fingertips. For a delicious meal, try these incredible recipes or find out what you can make in your rice cooker.
create a collage
Art therapy has been around since the 1940s and has been consistently proven to help patients feel more positive through artistic expression. Collage comes under the umbrella of art therapy and is perfect for those with no artistic talent, and his many free publications on IU like IDS make collage easy, cheap and accessible. All you need is a pair of scissors and glue, which thankfully can be found at the Dollar Tree.
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play video games
Studies show that video games can actually help combat depression symptoms. However, most games cost over $25, so it can be difficult to game within your budget. That being said, some great games are free to play on your computer. Sims 4 and RuneScape. Online games are a great way to spend an evening with friends. It might even be worth battling your middle school flashbacks with a game of Fireboy and Watergirl or his one of the countless classics you’ll find on coolmathgames.com.
try to meditate
Meditation isn’t for everyone, but it’s worth a try. Regular meditation can help reduce daily stress and anxiety, according to Harvard Health. Apps like Headspace and Calm can help, but paywalls make them less accessible than they need to be. My personal favorites are this mini-meditation from Headspace and this calming meditation aimed at controlling panic attacks.