Blue Monday – a fake media construct?
Blue Monday used to refer to washing, but in recent years it’s the day that the newspapers tell us that we are all supposed to be at our most miserable.
The combination of weather, dark days and debt culminates specifically on the third Monday in January, we are told.
For everyone who resents the idea of media-hyped pseudo-science telling you how to feel, we’re suggesting ways to fight it.
What better day than this to seek out some small bookish pleasures? They are all free!
Real or not, 10 ways to fight it
- Visit a library. With so many of them struggling to stay open, there’s a movement to max out your library card in a show of solidarity.
- Only got a few minutes? Listen to a free short story.
- Read a book from your childhood that brings back warm and fuzzy memories. Tell us what your favourite is!
- Visit a bookshop and take a look around. If you’re not buying, have a good sniff at the book smell instead.
- Do something creative. If you like to write, get some words down. However you like to express yourself, find some time to do it.
- Talk books with people who love them. If you visit a bookshop, the people who work in bookshops love to talk books. Alternatively join a bookish community on the internet. THE Book Club on Facebook is one that Heide and Iain recommend.
- Give in. Decide that you want to be miserable, just for a while, and re-read a self-indulgent weepie. Share your favourites with us!
- Remind yourself just how lucky you are. Read a book about people who endured real suffering. Recommendations welcomed.
- Look for free comedy ebooks. Naturally we will suggest that you start with Satan’s Shorts.
- Play a word game with friends. In real life or on the internet. Find inspiration at pun generator and tell us your best Blue Monday puns!
