Number 91:  January 23, 2007

The “experts” have declared that Monday was the unhappiest day of the year. It is known as “Blue Monday.” Thus, if you are feeling a little down, you can take solace in the thought that things are unlikely to get worse.

Dr. Cliff Arnall, a Cardiff University psychologist in Great Britain, devised the formula to show that Monday was the most depressing day of the year. His equation takes into account six factors: weather, debt, time since Christmas, time since failing our new year’s resolution [how did he know?], low motivational levels and the feeling of a need to take action. When you add all of these together they pinpoint Monday, January 22^nd as the unhappiest day of the year, hence “Blue Monday!”

Dr. Arnall said that by understanding the main factors for depression we can prevent becoming unhappy next year. The article then gave advice on how to avoid the traps of “Blue Monday.” Taking up a hobby was the best suggestion to be given to make one happier. [Our new hobby in Colorado has been shoveling snow, but I digress.]  

My suggestion to living a happier life would be to read the Bible more, meditate on the things of God more, and apply what you read more efficiently.

Psalm 1:1-4a:

Blessed [Happy] is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

            The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.

Staying thankful and in touch with the will of God are always vital to one’s happiness.

II Thessalonians 5:16-18:

Rejoice evermore.

Pray without ceasing.

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Another ingredient to happiness would be a hope. Reading God’s Word gives us one.

Romans 15:4:

For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.