Is tomorrow really the MOST DEPRESSING day of the year?

You might be surprised to find out. ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ Tomorrow marks what's known as "Blue Monday," often cited as the most depressing day of the year. This term was actually coined by a UK travel company and mental health experts say it’s more of a marketing ploy than a scientific reality. So, while the idea of the gloomiest day is up for debate, what's not debatable is the impact of seasonal depression. Seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, is a real concern, especially during these shorter, darker winter days. It's a type of seasonal depression that often intensifies due to decreased sunlight. Up to 5% of people experience SAD, and an estimated 15-20% of us encounter a milder form of this condition, often referred to as the "winter blues." The challenge of seasonal depression is something I've navigated myself. It's led me to discover some uplifting strategies that I want to share with you. These tips have brightened my winter days, and I hope they'll do the same for you! If you or a loved one is facing a serious mental health crisis, please talk to a professional. There is no shame in seeking help. It can quite literally be life-saving. For emergency situations, you can call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 from any United States-based phone. For less urgent matters, visit the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) on their website at nami.org or call their hotline at 1-800-950-6264. Embrace the Light: Starting your day with natural sunlight can significantly uplift your mood. Try to spend time outside in the early sun or enjoy your morning routine by a sunlit window. For those who can't get enough natural light, light therapy boxes are a great alternative. They provide bright, full-spectrum light that mimics natural sunlight. My daughter Britta swears by her [Verilux HappyLight]( Serotonin-Boosting Foods: Consuming foods rich in tryptophan, like turkey, spinach, bananas, and milk, can increase your body’s production of serotonin, a key mood regulator. Moderate Alcohol and Caffeine: While it's tempting to reach for that extra cup of coffee or glass of wine, moderation is crucial. Both alcohol and caffeine can lead to mood swings and can disrupt your sleep patterns, which are vital for emotional well-being. Regular Exercise: Exercise is a powerful tool against SAD. It boosts endorphins and serotonin, improving your mood and energy levels. Whether it's a brisk walk, yoga, or a more intense workout, find what you enjoy and make it a part of your routine. Even exercising for just 30 minutes a day can have a profound impact. Consistent Sleep Schedule: Sticking to a regular sleep schedule helps your body's internal clock, which can be particularly thrown off during the shorter days of winter. Consistency with your sleep and wake times is key, even on weekends or days off. This regularity can significantly improve your overall mood and energy levels. Having trouble sleeping? Give my [Slumber Essential Oil Blend]( a try! Essential Oil Magic: Essential oils can be powerful mood-lifters and are perfect to help combat the winter blues and re-energize you, especially when combined with the above treatments. You can diffuse them, add a few drops to your bath, or even apply them topically for a mood boost throughout the day. Here are a few blends you might consider using: [Calm Mind:]( This blend features sweet orange and lime for their uplifting and refreshing qualities. [All Clear:]( An invigorating mix of eucalyptus, lemon, orange, and lime, this blend is energizing. [Simple Clean:]( Combining the uplifting scents of lemon and sweet orange with the grounding note of cedarwood, this blend strikes a lovely balance. Freshly Washed: Packed with citrus oils like sweet orange, tangerine, lime, and pink grapefruit, this blend is a powerhouse of mood-boosting properties. Note: Freshly Washed is currently out of stock, but I wanted to mention it for those of you who already have a bottle on hand! [Image of Calm Mind]( Calm Mind $11.39 $18.99 [SHOP NOW]( [Image of All Clear]( All Clear $14.99 $24.99 [SHOP NOW]( [Image of Simple Clean]( Simple Clean $10.19 $16.99 [SHOP NOW]( No longer want to receive these emails? [Unsubscribe](. One Good Thing by Jillee, LLC 629 E 500 N Heber City, UT 84032