Technolandy

Day 87 (of 2025/26) #bluemonday – real or myth

There are a number of things that feel real, despite what the evidence says.. full moons = crazier behaviour has been debunked… – injuries increasing after time changes for daylight savings on the other hand… confirmed. 

Full moons decades of studies have failed to establish a consistent, measurable link between the full moon and increased rates of crime, violence, psychiatric hospital admissions, or emergency room visits. More real: confirmation bias…

Daylight savings studies have been linked to an increased occurrence of negative side effects such as workplace injuries, sleep disturbance, strokes and heart attacks…

Blue Monday… the repetition that the third monday of January is the saddest day of the year… admittedly started as a marketing gimmick by Sky Travel – a UK travel company to encourage people to book winter holidays… as for scientific status… it is like full moon theories – more of a pseudoscience – there is no actual “saddest day” of the month or year, though SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) and financial stresses from the holiday season definitely make it a challenging month in many ways. 

But – it is a good reminder that we all have mental health ‘good and bad’ days. But they are individualized. Winter does often make us change our sleeping and eating habits, and that can impact our mood – especially with exercising and spending time in nature reduced with colder temperatures, shorter days and longer nights. 

It’s a good reminder to think about our mental health every day of the year… 

• Talk about your feelings and how you are doing to someone you know. If not, try a chat with your AI buddy! 
• Check what you are eating – especially what you are snacking… got enough green items on the menu?
• Sleep better – naps are great, but can disrupt night time sleep patterns… try to have a consistent bedtime routine no matter how old you are!
• Drink responsibly – more water, less… adult beverages… 
• Find exercise/nature connections – even if it’s a brief walk outdoors… the briskness may help you pick up the pace! 

If you’re overwhelmed, Canada supports are there if you are in crisis: 

If you’re in immediate danger or need urgent medical support, call 9-1-1.

If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, call or text 9-8-8. Support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

If you’re experiencing family or gender-based violence, you can access a crisis line in your province or territory.

More resources: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/mental-health-services/mental-health-get-help.html

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