Monday Motivation: Fighting the February Blahs

By Loralyn Mears PhD Loralyn Mears PhD has been verified by Muck Rack's editorial team
Published on February 24, 2020

Cheers to Monday motivation #50! We see you, struggling to get your day started and in need of a pick-me-up to launch your week on the right foot. If you’re a podcast person, listen to our Monday Matters content on our Spotify Grit Daily podcast channel. Or read on to get our Monday Motivation quick tips.

Studies show that your morning mood affects your productivity all day. Grit Daily is here to get your work week off to a good start. Pump your fists – it’s time for Monday Motivation!

February blah blah

The northeast US has been spared a brutal winter. In fact, dare I say that we got lucky knowing that the Ides of March are nearly upon us? Hold that thought. This is Monday motivation after all and we’re going to be optimistic about what’s ahead.

Monday motivation recognizes that some people were not so lucky with respect to cold temps, sleet and snow conditions. Others? I’m looking at you, Florida and California … you’re lucky all year ‘round! That said, I can see the daffodil sprouts poking their way through the soil so all is not lost for those of us in the Greater NYC area.

For most of us, February is a particularly challenging month. Despite its brevity relative to the other months of the year (even with a Leap Year, it’s still shorter), it seems to negatively impact a significant portion of the population. Typically, we vacation somewhere warm and fabulous like Aruba or Hawaii, but, given an assortment of reasons, we didn’t take a winter break this year. So, we had to find other ways to beat the February blahs.

The February factor

BuzzFeed categorizes it as a “garbage month.” Americans consistently rank February as their least favorite month of the year, according to the Wall Street Journal. Why? By this time of year, the holiday high has faded into the recesses of our memories, we’ve likely already gone off-course from our New Year’s Resolutions and many of us are challenged with bills left over from excessive spending plus gift-giving the month before.

The Week cites the dreaded and depressing Valentine’s Day holiday as one of the negative February factors. It’s probably no surprise that our “Monday Motivation Tips to Survive Valentine’s Day” column was one of the most popular articles since the month began. Personally, I look forward to the Groundhog Day tradition. I was absolutely beside myself in hysterics at the brilliant Superbowl ad this year which featured the incomparable Bill Murray in a reprise of arguably his most famous role.  

Tips to battle the blahs

Whether it’s the February blahs or any other blahs that you’re battling right now, take a close look at these Monday motivation tips. There’s no need to be blue all the time. With a little daily work, you can overcome those blahs and find joy in your day again.

IF YOU NEED HELP, CALL 1-800-662-4357

Monday Motivation #1 – laugh the blahs away

They do say that “laughter is the best medicine.” It works! Moments ago, I watched the Jeep Groundhog Day Superbowl ad again for the zillionth time and it still brings me to happy tears. Every. Single. Time.

Monday Motivation #2 – boost your Vitamin D levels

We all know that the amount of sunshine we get correlates with our Vitamin D levels. In fact, many loosely refer to it as “the sunshine vitamin.” If you don’t have a porch or balcony to let you even briefly bask in the sun’s warmth and glow, then consider a supplement. Not only will you sleep better, but you’ll feel brighter, too. Talk about Monday motivation!

Monday Motivation #3 – increase your exposure to natural light

The magazine, RealSimple, highlighted numerous ways to beat the blues in their September 2019 issue. Exercise is a panacea for just about everything that ails you, but, for many, it’s hard enough to get out of bed let alone find the Monday motivation (or any day of the week motivation) to exercise. So, we’ll leave that tip aside for right now. Instead, we’re going to suggest increasing your exposure to natural light. Get outside if you can. If that option is unavailable to you, open all your blinds and curtains. Let the light in!

Monday motivation is here for you every day of the week. Whether you need to kick start your week with a boost or you’re seeking tips for whatever is holding you back, just reach out. Have a wonderful week! After all, it’s the last week of February …

Image by Jerzy Górecki from Pixabay 

By Loralyn Mears PhD Loralyn Mears PhD has been verified by Muck Rack's editorial team

Journalist verified by Muck Rack verified

Dr. Loralyn Mears is a Columnist at Grit Daily and a podcast host (The Grit Files, which aims to shine the spotlight on female founders). She is a content marketer, founder of the WORKtech startup, STEERus, specializing in personal and professional development to address gaps in soft skills - communication in particular. In her consultancy practice, she helps clients with content and strategy. Loralyn spent over a decade playing with mosquito DNA, got her PhD, decided she would rather market science than be at the bench and has never looked back. Along the way, she’s wined and dined her way around the globe. She's authored two books, including the 2018 Gold Medal Indie Book award-winning, One Sip At a Time: a Memoir and the hard science thriller, "The Battle for Humanity: How Science Saved Us." 

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