Posted on 01/23/2006 6:21:15 AM PST by Diana in Wisconsin
London - Having a bad day? Well, no wonder. According to one scientist, today is the gloomiest day of 2006.
Cliff Arnall, a health psychologist at the University of Cardiff in Wales, has devised a formula that combines personal and seasonal factors to calculate the year's emotional low point.
Arnall said January is a time when people are simply working and don't have a lot of events, parties or holidays to look forward to.
People are struggling to cope not only with the bleak weather, but also with the debts they amassed by spending too much over the holidays.
It's also a time when people are starting to feel like failures because they've broken their resolutions so shortly after making them.
"All these elements converge to make for a very unhappy day on the 23rd of January," Arnall said.
He said his formula holds true for the United States as well as Britain, except perhaps in places such as Texas, Florida or California, where better weather could help to lift the day's depressing mood.
But Arnall said there are ways to beat the late-January blues. Instead of trying to turn over the same old new leaf every New Year's Day, he suggested, why not resolve to make a change in a different month, such as March or April?
"I also advise people to do the unusual every January," he said. "Go for a walk in the woods or just get out and about."
Let's have a party!
Arnall said groups of friends or even office mates could throw parties to celebrate the 23rd, since being around people you like can be a great way to boost your spirits. People also could resolve to make a budget for their holiday spending next December.
Leslie Godwin, a Los Angeles-based author and life transition coach, agreed that January is a tough time of the year. She encouraged people to try to exercise, whether the weather's bad or not.
"Exercise releases hormones that give us a sense of well-being, and it should be seen as an antidote to feeling down or blue," she said.
Even if you aren't exercising, there is some good news: It's only six months until what Arnall figures will be the happiest day of 2006 - June 23.
"In June, there is a lot more of an emphasis on nature, with plenty of flowers and trees in full bloom," he said. "There's also the likelihood that people are seeing more of their neighbors because of more daylight.
"People are experiencing positive memories of their childhood summers, and they are looking forward to taking their holidays," he said. "All this happens in June, so that it's usually a very good month."
Today is going to be especially bad for libs who are going to lose control over Canada today.
Broncos fan.
Need I say more?
Gosh. I must be the exception to this junk science, because I am having a great day. I just read where the West Wing is being cancelled!!
LOL! I'm having a good day, too! But then, eventhough it's cold, the sun is shining. That's all that matters to me in the dead of winter. Gotta have some sunshine! :)
Well, things were great til i read this. :-)
Happy Monday everyone! Here on the east coast of MA we've had weather in the 50's and 60's the last couple of days, today, well, that's another story, we've got about 3 inches of snow on the ground and right now in my area we have whiteout conditions! Woohoooooooo, yikes, I just remembered, I have to shovel this stuff!
Yep. Colts fans. Still.
"...the West Wing is being cancelled!!"
Heard that as well. I guess "The Media" doesn't want to confuse the voting population with two shows about the White House. They want to make sure we understand that a woman needs to be in there. A white woman. (not Condi) The masses are being conditioned and prep'd for what will be an all out media blitz to get the another Clinton into the WH.
Tell you what...I'm still concerned about Hillary, but less so than a year ago. I think all this OBVIOUS prep work by the media is going to back fire on Hillary. She just isn't that good when she gets off her agenda. Her off the cuff, "plantation" comments will eventually sink her. There is just too much "junk in her trunk" and she can not possibly keep it locked down.
And, hey, have a great day! Remember: you live in the greatest country in the world where an average day is only a dream in much of the world.
I'm perfectly happy!
Couldn't agree more. Today is the best day of the year up here!
here in the Twin Cities, we have yet to go below zero in the month of January!!!
woo hoo! love global warming!
Wisconsin has had the warmest Junuary since they started keeping records in 1947, too. right now we have a nice dusting of snow so everything looks really pretty.
Yep. My day has been going along pretty well today!
Yes, I think you're right. It's some sort of mathematical equasion that this guy uses, and it does differ a few days one way or the other for the Best and Worst days of the year each year. :)
and at least you're not a democrat
LOL! Yep. That's ALWAYS reason enough to get up in the morning, LOL! ;)
Gee, maybe we should move Festivus to mid January.
So shortly after the festive MLK birthday, we can all dance around the aluminum pole!
It was for the Canadian Grits!
"What's a grit?"
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