8 Ways To Stay Happy This Blue Monday

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but Monday, January 21st is probably going to be a bad day for you.

Well, maybe not that bad.

…. But maybe this bad:

At least according to some experts.

Back in 2005 (you know, when Brit and K-Fed were still together) Dr. Cliff Arnall developed a formula to determine the most depressing day of the year. After taking into account the poor weather conditions, holiday debts coming due, failed New Year’s Resolutions and the lack of something to look forward to in the immediate future, he settled on the third Monday in January of each year; now colloquially known as “Blue Monday”.

So what are we to do with the saddest day of the year on our hands? Roll over and let Blue Monday win? Of course not!

As a wise man once said (and by “wise man”, I mean the Emperor in Mulan) :

“The flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all.”

Let us not cry into our Kashi GoLean this Blue Monday morning. Instead, let us become those rare and beautiful flowers. Let us BLOOM!

Here are just a few ideas how you can beat the winter blues and make it happen:

1. Do Something Good For Others  

Doing good for others can help elevate your mood and boost your self-esteem.

So why not help out a friend in need?

Or maybe just don’t post that Facebook status about your toddler’s potty training progress:

Via Mashable.com

Or that Someecard. Even if this one is really hilarious:

Ok, that actually is hilarious. Go ahead and post that.

2. Remember, things could always be worse.

Tommy Lee Jones could be giving you this look:

3. Exercise

Fitness Hamster knows that exercise not only makes you buff, it also produces mood-lifting endorphins.

….and so does this Goldendoodle:

Bonus points for proper use of the emergency cord.

…and this stylish cat:

… and this dog who’s showing off:

Don’t let him intimidate you. He’s got a natural advantage at this.

4. Eat Healthy

Everyone knows a healthy diet can give you more energy and boost your overall mood. But eating healthy is hard, right?  Au Contraire bonjour! Just look how easy it is to incorporate healthy foods into your diet:

 5. Treat Yourself

Take a page from the book of Tom Haverford and treat yo’ self to something really special this Blue Monday.

Like some sweet joo’ree:

No animals were harmed in the making of this outfit

Or maybe a sexy new snowsuit:

….Or a dope new hat:

how can you be sad about the weather WHEN YOUR HAT IS THIS AWESOME

.. Or maybe this sweet SAD visor:

Who’s got seasonal affective disorder? NOT THIS LADY

….or this thing:

Great for both drinking out of straws and feeling feelings

Or whatever these guys are wearing:

They look cozy.

6. Take comfort in the company of good friends:

7. Surround yourself with inspirational mantras and positive affirmations

8. Keep Things in Perspective

No matter how bad your circumstances are, at least you’re not the chick who wore a  wedding dress on the first episode of The Bachelor:

..Or Keith Urban right now:

…….. and when all else fails, do as 80′s Paul Rudd would do, and DANCE!

Question of the Day: Do you have any tips to beat Blue Monday?

P.S. This Polar Bear just told me he refuses to be shown up by Mike from Friends: