Blue Monday falls at the beginning of the third week in January each year and is said to be the most depressing day of the year, but it doesn’t have to be.
While it’s true that finances tend to be depleted after Christmas, the weather can be dreary and the novelty of being back at work has worn off, there’s still hope.
Caravan and motorhome enthusiasts can use their leisure vehicle to help improve their spirits today and in the weeks to come.
Create a cosy hideaway
It may not be practical to head off in your caravan or motorhome right now, but it’s still a great resource even if it’s just parked in your driveway.
Use your leisure vehicle as a cosy escape from the pressures of the modern world. Fill it with comfy cushions and blankets, and spend an hour or two reading or listening to music there after work.
Just getting away from the usual routine can be enough to feel refreshed, so create your own little sanctuary.
Get out in nature
Green and blue therapy, which essentially means getting out into nature, has been linked to a number of physical and mental health benefits.
It can be difficult to get motivated to spend time outside when it’s cold, but your caravan or motorhome is a great way to facilitate more time in the countryside or by the sea.
Take your vehicle out for the day and after a walk, cycle, swim or other activity, you’ve got the perfect place to get warm and cosy again.
Plan an adventure
Anticipation is a powerful emotion and looking forward to a trip away is a great way to lift your spirits, so start planning your next adventure now.
Perhaps you were given some caravanning books for Christmas or you’ve been thinking about tackling a long-distance route like the NC500 for a while?
January is a great time to get into the finer details of planning your next adventure, as your social diary is likely to have calmed down and there’s still time to book campsites before the summer.
Give yourself a sense of purpose
If you used your caravan or motorhome as a breakout space when relatives were staying over the holidays or a handy place to store and wrap Christmas presents, it might be time for a tidy up.
Cleaning out cupboards, wiping down surfaces and giving your leisure vehicle an airing by opening windows means it’ll be in fine shape for the next time you head out in it.
Your van is a relatively small space, so it won’t take long to get it looking good, giving you a sense of achievement, which is always good for boosting a low mood.
Photo credit: Unsplash/Roberto Nygaard
