Blue Monday got you down? It’s no surprise – around 2.5% of the German population suffers from seasonal affective disorder (SAD). January can be a difficult month for many tech professionals living in Germany. Bad weather, an enlarged waistline from too much lebkuchen and a low bank balance all contribute to the most depressing day of the year. Though the science behind Blue Monday is less than robust, many tech professionals feel worse for wear during the winter.
Why Blue Monday gets you down
A lack of daylight can affect your usual chemical balance. When it’s dark, your body creates the hormone melatonin as a signal that it’s time to go to sleep. During the winter, this can make you feel tired and sluggish.
For some, seasonal affective disorder (SAD) may just make them feel a bit down during the winter, according to Dr. Iris Hauth, president of the German Society for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Psychosomatics and Neurology. For the unlucky others, SAD can really sap the joy out of life and affect their productivity at work.
What symptoms should you look out for?
If you feel so down, guilty and unmotivated that you just want to curl up into a ball and binge-watch Dark on Netflix for the rest of time, you should consult your doctor. An intense craving for sweet things and putting on weight are also signs you should watch out for.
“Those affected feel in a depressed mood, suffer from a lack of interests and sometimes have difficulties concentrating,” advises Dr Hauth.
How to beat Blue Monday
While you shouldn’t substitute therapy with a PDF you found online, there are some quick tricks you can incorporate into your day to feel better at work. For advice on how to turn Blue Monday on its head, download our guide and use our top 5 tips.