January is typically a pretty gloomy and cold month in much of the country - prime time for the winter blues and more serious forms of seasonal depression.
But that doesn’t mean you have to hibernate until spring to start feeling better.
If you felt like you were in an extra-low funk Monday, there may be a reason. A British psychologist has informally declared it the most depressing day of the year.
Why? You’re coming down from the high of the holidays, credit card bills are rolling in and your new year’s resolution is probably toast.
"All those people who made the new year’s resolutions have now flunked. They're back to all their bad habits,” said Dr. Michael McKee of the Cleveland Clinic.
The lack of light may be what leads some people to develop seasonal affective disorder – a more serious form of the winter blahs.
"You feel like lead, you feel like a slug, but swing your legs over the side of the bed. Get up,” said McKee. He says get moving around, preferably with other people. Experts say depressed people tend to isolate themselves.
Light boxes can help. They’re available online.
If that doesn’t work, and you have the means, try a trip south for some blue skies.
