Get Outside to Cheer Yourself Up on Blue Monday

Today is Blue Monday - supposedly the most miserable day of the year. Actually, the third Monday in January got given that name by a travel company wanting to sell more holidays to far-off shores and sunny climes, but many of us in gloomy England feel down in the dumps at this time of year. What makes it worse in 2022 is that we're heading into the third year of a pandemic along with other woes in the world in general. 

If you're feeling seriously depressed, then do contact your GP or a mental health professional, but for a case of the January blues you can sometimes help yourself cheer up. I find going for a walk in nature, especially on a sunny day, can lift my mood even if it's cold. 

I live in a London suburb, so not out in the countryside. However, there are still green spots to be found including parks, gardens and verges. The picture was one I took a few days ago when I was exploring my local area. The bottom of the photo shows a row of dingy bin sheds, but behind them the tree branches are stretching up into a clear, bright sky in a pleasant park. All I had to do was walk around the corner and I'd be there, away from the grimness and the rubbish.

Is there is somewhere plants and trees and grass grow near you? You could look on a map and see if there's a park that you've not visited before - or not for a long time. Plan a walk there and back. On the way, pay attention to any other greenery you might see, whether that's trees lining the streets or things in people's gardens. Pick a route along quieter streets and alleyways or through churchyards or other parks rather than main roads, even if it means walking a winding path instead of going in a sttraight line. Stop and look at things that take your interest. Maybe snap a photo or two as well.

For those who can't get outside, opening the window and spending some time looking out can be almost as good. Observe what's going on in the street but also pay attention to any greenery or wildlife you might see. A guided visualisation can also help. I shared one called The January Garden on my post at the Moon Books Blog. 

If you are having a really hard time and need someone to talk to then, if you are living in England, the Samaritans are there to listen 24 hours a day: https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/

My book Pagan Portals - Rounding the Wheel of the Year has lots more about season magic and folklore. You can find it here: https://www.collectiveinkbooks.com/moon-books/our-books/pagan-portals-rounding-wheel-year

Previous related posts
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2014/12/spells-big-hugs-candle-magic.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2020/09/poppet-magic-cinderella-dolls-for.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2021/03/magical-words-spell-to-get-through.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2008/01/surviving-january.html

Events over Twelfth Night in London

Twelfth Night is traditionally the last day of the 12 days of Christmas. Nowadays we tend to think the festive season is over as soon as we return to work after the New Year Bank Holiday, but in the past people celebrated Twelfth Night with mummers' plays and parties. Here are a couple of Twelfth Night events taking place in London.

Thursday, 5 January; Twelfth Night Revelries at Dr Johnson's House. An evening with music, dancing, costumed performances and quizzes. Tickets cost £16/£14 and include a glass of punch, pie and Twelfth Night cake. Venue: Dr Johnson's House, 17 Gough Square, London, EC4A 3DE. Time: 615pm - 9pm. For more details or to book tickets call 020 7353 3745 or visit http://www.drjohnsonshouse.org/

Sunday, 8 January 2012; Twelfth Nigh celebration. Mummers' Play, the Bankside Wassail and more seasonal entertainment with The Lion's Part. Venue: Shakespeare's Globe, Bankside and Borough Market, Southwark, London, SE1 9DT. This is a free event . For details visit http://www.thelionspart.co.uk/twelfthnight/index.html

The photograph above shows last year's Mummers Play at the Twelfth Night celebration at Bankside, outside The Globe theatre, in London.

Previous related posts
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2011/01/pagan-eye-twelfth-night.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2010/01/twelth.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2011/01/good-story.html

Surviving January

I think January is the worst month of the year. It is cold, wet and grey.

At least we're more than half way through it, but the warm weather and light evenings seem a long way off.

However, there are a few things that help:

Make the most of daylight
If I can, I get out when it's sunny - or at least when it isn't tipping down with rain. I find sunlight, a change of scenery and a bit of exercise make me feel a lot more cheerful.

Wear something bright
I find putting on a bright jumper and fighting the urge to wear black every day makes me feel a little brighter too.

Stay in bed
Sometimes, all I want to do in the dark months is stay in bed, pull up the covers and escape into a novel or watch the TV in my bedroom. And that's quite OK.

Make plans for summer
Having something to look forward to, such as a holiday, helps me realise that the dark months will end.

Eat chocolate
Yes, I know January is supposed to be the time for going on a diet, but I think that's daft. Leave the diets until spring. The Catholic idea of abstaining for Lent - just before Easter - might not be theologically appropriate for a witch but the timing is better than dieting just after the start of the new year. I wouldn't say only eat chocolate, though. I do try to eat plenty of fruit and veg too, to keep healthy.

What are your best tips for surviving January? Feel free to leave a comment on A Bad Witch's Blog.