Lack of sunlight, vitamin C factors on Blue Monday: psychology professor

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – If you’re feeling a little bit down today, some might say it’s just one of the symptoms of what some have dubbed the the saddest day of the year: “Blue Monday.”

Professor of psychology at the University of Toronto Scarborough, Steve Joordens, says while there is no scientific proof behind this term, he does admit some people may feel a little down this time of year.

“Literally if we had to put it in a word it would be ‘blah’. It’s just kind of a feeling like they’re not enjoying life very much. They seem to have trouble concentrating sometimes.”

Joordens explains a “blue” mood could often be related to weather conditions.

“We’re getting very little sunlight, and a lot of our psychological mechanisms kind of interact with daylight, the things that make us feel alert and awake, and to some extent positive and happy.”

While some people handle their energy just fine, Joordens argues that others could use some extra help to manage their emotions throughout the day.

“One of our best insulators for any sort of mental distress is social connections. Literally being friends with them, doing things with them, reminding them they have someone who cares about them. That’s how we deal with mental stress in English, we pull together.”

According to Joordens, artificial light sources and a walk outside are simple fixes that could help people deal with their mood.

He also warns people against falling for certain strategic marketing games on Blue Monday.

“To some extent, it’s part marketing stand, which is an important thing for people to realize. A lot of the travel agencies are the force that defines this as ‘Blue Monday’ and has us all thinking about getting the heck away from winter.”

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