‘BLUE MONDAY’ CAPTURED AT LEAMINGTON HARBOUR

Monday, January 16 was Blue Monday and Sun photographer Deanna Bertrand was out nice and early — just before sunrise — to capture the scene at the Leamington lakefront during ‘blue hour.’ While the saddest day of the year is more of a myth than a reality, the winter blues are real and can involve sadness or unhappiness attributed to the dark and cold weather. According to a recent study by the Canadian Mental Health Association, two in five Canadians say their mental health has deteriorated since the onset of the pandemic. Blue Monday is traditionally thought of as the saddest day of the year due to stressors such as post-holiday blues, weight gain, cold dark days, failure to stick to New Year’s resolutions and the arrival of holiday bills. Physical activity is proven to release endorphins, serotonin and dopamine – ultimately improving one’s mood. Within five minutes after moderate exercise, you are likely to experience a mood-enhancing effect. Other mental health benefits of physical activity include improving sleep, relieving muscle tension, serving as a distraction from stress and calming the autonomic nervous system that regulates our bodily function. Visit windsoressex.cmha.ca for more information.

SUN photo by Deanna Bertrand