The third Monday of January has come to be widely referred to as “Blue Monday”, unofficially the saddest day of the year. While not scientifically proven, this holiday may not be real but the seasonal blues definitely can be. The holidays are over, the days are still short & dark and cold spells are on the horizon… feelings of depression and sadness are understandable, but we have some suggestions for how to elevate your mood and make the best of a tough day!
Soak Up the Sunshine
Increased exposure to sunlight can help give you a brighter outlook and really turn your day around. Head outside for a walk, go ice fishing or just bundle up and sit on your covered balcony with a coffee- the increase in Vitamin D is bound to help cheer you up! If you’d rather stay inside, arrange a sitting area in your home by a window that is exposed to sunlight during the day. At the lake there are so many great opportunities to appreciate all that nature has to offer!
Reduce Screen Time
Being indoors often means an increase in screen time, which can lead to feelings of anxiety and depression. Especially with the endless (not so uplifting) news updates we’re constantly getting, it’s important to unplug. Stop scrolling and pick up another hobby that you’ve been meaning to try- start that new book or get creative with an adult colouring book. You’ll be surprised how therapeutic it can be!
Stay Active
When the winter blues hit it can be tempting to curl up inside, but getting out and moving your body daily, even just for a short period of time, can have a huge impact on your mood. At Waters Edge there is no shortage of activities & amenities to make this happen- lace up your skates, strap on those skis or simply go for a winter stroll to soak up the beautiful scenery of the lake.
Stay Connected to Friends & Family
Isolation and loneliness can amplify the effects of seasonal depression, so really rely on your support system to help make you feel better. That’s what they are there for! Give your loved ones a call or schedule a virtual coffee date if you’re feeling down. The tight knit community at Waters Edge acts as a built-in support system and residents can rely on each other for anything they may need, whether it’s a friendly chat or a spare bottle of wine! We’re always looking out for each other! Hear from some of our residents themselves here.
If you find yourself feeling down, you may be experiencing the side effects of Blue Monday. We hope these suggestions will help you kick any of your winter blues, after all, the goal is to not just survive the winter, but thrive! Loving where you live also contributes to your positive well-being- there’s something about lake life that just does the body, mind and soul good.
The Estates at Waters Edge is a 50-acre, lakefront community on Lac Ste Anne with prime lakefront, lakeside and lake view lots available, all with lake access! If you’re looking for a change in lifestyle, we have a variety of opportunities available for you to begin creating your happiest life. Inquire here to get started!
Come for a tour of our available homes & lots– hop in the car and take a winter road trip out to Lac Ste. Anne! Take a self-guided tour of our community- without even getting out of your car. Look for the QR codes at each property and scan them with your phone’s camera to view the complete details of each home and go on a digital tour! Visit Monday-Friday from 9-5 for your self guided tour, or call Fred Trommeshauser at 780-962-8580 for a private tour. We hope to see you soon!