Celebrating Blue

Journalists describe today as "Blue Monday", apparently it is the day when most people feel down. Can we really associate one day with being the most miserable? I don't think so. I have spoken before about mental health and how we all have it, and that good days and bad days affect us all at some level.

Also, why is blue associated with depression and sadness?

I love the colour blue and all the different shades it brings. In fact, I am currently wearing a dark blue hoodie! A 2015 study backs up this love of blue with the discovery by YouGovAmerica study showing that the world's favourite colour was overwhelmingly blue!

With blue being so loved, why do we use it to describe such a negative emotion?

Have you heard of Blue Health? As a phrase, it is not one I'd personally heard until last year, but it makes complete sense. I love the sea, being around water and on water. Just the sound of waves makes me happy. My current view is Dover Harbour, listening to the wind (rain) and waves on the beach. Even on the stormiest days, it holds a certain hypnotic soothing power.

The benefits of Blue Health have been proven, but what is blue health? Blue Health is the concept that being in or near blue spaces such as rivers, lakes and the sea boosts our emotional well-being. Therefore, we need to be celebrating Blue, enjoying the benefits the colour brings us.

How can you benefit today? Well, this really depends upon where you live, but if you are close to the coast. Wrap up warm and head out. Even spending 10 minutes sitting in your car looking out to sea may help calm you, if you are feeling brave (and the weather is compliant) strolling along will give you the fresh sea air too.

For those who are not close to the sea, any body of water will do, river, lake or reservoir, and if those options are not open to you, head to the swimming pool or even run a bath!

Share where your blue health stories, I love hearing about where people find happiness. You will hear plenty more Blue Health stories from me as the year progresses.