19/01/2026
Blue Monday is often described as one of the toughest days of the year. The novelty of the new year has worn off, routines feel heavy again, and summer holidays can seem far away. While the idea of a single “most depressing day” is debatable, the feeling behind it is very real for many people. The good news is that our brains are remarkably responsive to where we place our attention.
One simple, evidence-informed strategy we recommend at Southport Central Chiropractic, is to intentionally focus on positive memories. This does not mean ignoring challenges or pretending everything is fine. Instead, it is about gently reminding your nervous system that safety, joy, and progress already exist in your life.
Try starting with a short daily practice. Pause for one minute and recall a positive moment from the past week: a good conversation, a laugh, a walk outside, or even a small win you might normally overlook. Engage your senses. What could you see, hear, or feel at that moment? This sensory detail helps the brain relive the experience more fully, reinforcing calmer and more balanced emotional states.
If you can add to the experience by reproducing the smell or sounds (think song) of that positive memory, that will supercharge your results!
It is also helpful to share positive memories with others. Talking about meaningful experiences with a friend, family member, or colleague strengthens connection and reinforces perspective. Humans are wired for co-regulation; we do better when we feel supported.
Importantly, focusing on positives does not mean you must manage everything alone. Trusted health care professionals (like your chiropractor or massage therapist) can play a valuable role in supporting mental and physical wellbeing. Chiropractors, for example, often work with people experiencing ongoing stress, tension, and physical strain that can influence how the nervous system responds to daily life. By supporting movement, posture, and nervous system regulation, chiropractic care can be part of a broader, practical and more personal approach to wellbeing.
If Blue Monday feels heavy this year, consider it an invitation rather than a verdict. Small, consistent steps, like revisiting positive memories, staying connected, and seeking appropriate professional support, can gently shift momentum. Progress starts with remembering what is already going right, then focussing on the small, regular wins that you can create for yourself.
