Posted by Carol Hart on Wed, Jan 06, 2010 @ 12:56 PM
Do you ever wonder why February has only 28 days, while other months have 30 or 31? The official historical reason dates back to Ancient Rome, the agricultural calendar, and a Roman king who needed a short month to make everything add up correctly. I, however, have a different theory—one based on no facts whatsoever. February is short because if it was even one instant longer we would all go mad waiting for spring.
In fact, according to some admittedly murky research, the saddest day of the year falls in late January and goes by the name of Blue Monday. Why so blue? Christmas has come and gone, and any residual warm fuzzy feelings have withered. Even the die-hards among us have given up on New Year’s Resolutions and reverted to sloth and gluttony. By the end of January, our credit card statements have arrived and we have to figure out how to pay the piper. The shortest day of the year may be past, but it’s still cold and dark with a long way to go until spring.
The travel company that promoted this study suggests that making a plan and taking action (presumably by scheduling a vacation) can help to beat those seasonal blue feelings. Britain’s Mental Health Foundation has a website, www.beatbluemonday.org.uk which offers 10 additional ways to beat those blues, including Keep Active, Keep in Touch, Eat Well, & Care for Others.
Some companies promote products that compensate for the seasonal lack of light that can affect our mood. Lighting companies like Philips create full spectrum lighting that mimics the benefits of sunshine, and claim to help restore your mood and increase your energy levels. Does it work? Anecdotal evidence says yes, and clinical studies are beginning to agree.
Although I may feel like hiding under the covers until spring, I just may take some of this advice to heart. Maybe I can keep in touch and care for others (and eat well!) by throwing a mid-winter party. I’ll turn those full spectrum lights on high, throw on the dance music, and pretend I’m someplace warm and bright.
And if you decide to make a plan and take action this winter by doing some home renovation or repairs, don’t forget to include your friends at The Wiring Whiz!