Monday, January 21, 2008

The Most Depressing Day of the Year


I was listening to the radio this morning as I was getting ready for work, when an interesting story caught my attention. Apparently, researchers have designated January 21, 2008 as the "Most Depressing Day of the Year."

If you're a Green Bay Packers player or fan, I could certainly understand how you could identify with this statement. But, what about the rest of us? Why in the world would January 21 be any more (or less) depressing than any other day?

Dr. Cliff Arnall, a psychologist and former college professor, used mathematical equations to reach this verdict. Supporting the scientific methods, several additional factors have been weighed in making this determination. A combination of the cold weather, the arrival of credit card bills from holiday purchases, people having already given up on New Year's resolutions, and the fact that it's a Monday all have pointed researchers to the conclusion that today is "the most depressing day of 2008."


To crawl out from under the dark cloud over "Blue Monday," psychologists and therapists are recommending that people try to be "extra positive" today. Some have also said just going outside for a few minutes to feel the brisk air on your face will lift your spirits. And, while these may be solutions to get you through January 21, these are band-aids for those who actually find that today is the worst day of the year.


There's a far better remedy to the winter blues, or any day when life gets us down. It's called a change of heart. It's ceasing to put the onus on myself, and handing over the reigns to my Heavenly Father. It's altering my perspective to view the larger picture rather than aiming an enormous magnifying glass at my circumstances. It's prayer. It's reaching out TO people rather than withdrawing from them and becoming isolated.


Maybe for you, today will be a tough day. It's possible that it could be your "most depressing day of the year." But, only if you let it become that.


If you're feeling blue, overwhelmed, or even a little anxious, just pause. Be still. Listen. God is with you right now, and He is eager to transform - not only your day - but your heart.

If you'll let Him.

1 comment:

Nick Adair said...

That's very encouraging.

Good post!