Let’s Celebrate This Blue Monday
18th January, aka 'Blue Monday' is the day that we register and acknowledge as the most depressing day of the year. I have heard it said that this is because it's the week before payday, and after usually being paid early in December it’s a long wait to that post Christmas payday, or that the weather is more depressing as you're not quite in the embrace of autumn or spring. I have even heard that you could be depressed because of the extra weight you put on over the festive period and although you're sticking to your New Year's resolution 'diet' you're still not seeing the scales tip in your favour as much as you would like. Actually, the real story behind 'Blue Monday’ was commercial. Yep... a travel programme came up with their calculation of when the most miserable day of the year was back in 2005 and bingo, airline tickets picked up!
So what does any of that have to do with paddling? Anyone that knows me knows that I am a huge ambassador for paddling to help improve our mental health, there is heaps of research around depression and exercise and also depression and the benefits of being on or around water. The effects negative ions have on our wellbeing have been shown to specifically help with depression. Negative ions can be found around moving water so what better way to get your ion kick than paddle boarding?
I say it's time to claim Blue Monday back from the commercial industry and make it our own... I think as paddlers we have the blue in the water so what better way to help yourself than getting out and getting your paddling fix, if you're able to. Although I understand that for some people that's not an option this year due to COVID, lockdowns and not being able to travel, but we are fortunate we have it to look forward to. So, lets celebrate this Blue Monday! Maybe get on YouTube and type in SUP, pick a video to watch and know that very soon you will be back on the water doing what you love and in the meantime looking forward to the paddling adventures you're going to have.
Our top choice for a great short film to watch to beat the January blues is the stunning Undercurrents. The film explores our relationship with the ocean through the eyes of two female surfers, and the gorgeous scenery is sure to cheer anyone up. Check out the trailer below.