So, I was scanning online today (like I usually do) and discovered that today is known as ‘Blue Monday.’

What?

Daily Mail reports, ‘today there will be nearly five times the average number of tweets relating to guilt, as people abandon their promises to pursue a healthier lifestyle.’

It’s also the day that millions of Americans…dun, dun, dun – return to work. The giddy feeling of the holidays and Christmas cheer is over and icy weather conditions really make things look bleak.

But – hello, little buttercups – cheer up!

There is a light at the end of the tunnel. We can do things to beat the ‘oh so blues!’ No need to feel defeated, depressed or just under the weather.

I will add in a little Bible verse of encouragement, here:

‘We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body.  So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you. {2 Cor. 4: 8-12}

Here are some great things you can do to cheer up!

After all, Audrey Hepburn says, ‘Happy girls are the prettiest girls.’

Smell Some Peppermint Oil

The qualities of this oil will cause you to feel energized. It is often used to treat discomfort and stress. A lot of shades of grey are due to stress in one’s life. Dab some essential oil behind your ears and under your nose – and watch that distress and gloomy spirit melt away.

Read Inspirational Quotes

This is a sure fire way to cheer up anyone down in the dumps. Go to Pinterest and click on the ‘Quotes’ tab. I do this all the time. I gain so much spiritual and mental inspiration from reading the beautifully laid out quotes and mantras.

Go on a Walk

Get out of the house – even if it’s for 10 minutes. Bundle up and walk for 30 minutes. Listen to a book on tape {while walking on the treadmill}. Turn on some upbeat music {Christian is a good one here}. Do lunges in the driveway – or out in the hallway of your apartment complex. The more you move – the more your body will feel more alive.

Sing a Hymn

Don’t dismiss this – it works. Here is a link to some of the most popular hymns. Sing all the verses. You may not be feeling this at first – but believe me, if you make it through the whole song – you will feel rejuvenated. There is something about singing songs to your maker with lyrics of old.

 Drink a Feel-Good Tea

Now, this is not just any old tea. You really need to seek out the teas that relieve anxiety and depression. Stick to caffeine-free teas. Did you know that caffeine can cause anxiety? This is not going to help alleviate the blues. Types of teas to try are: kava, passion flower, valerian root, chamomile, peppermint and lemon balm. In addition to this, tea is an antioxidant. This will add to your overall health. The healthier you are – the happier you will feel.