Blue Monday & Winter Wellbeing

Saira Rehman
6 days ago
2 min read

Science-Informed Wellness Approaches to Support Mood, Energy & Resilience

Blue Monday has become a cultural shorthand for how winter can feel — slower, heavier, and mentally demanding.

While not a medical diagnosis, seasonal changes are known to influence mood, motivation and energy levels. Reduced daylight, lower physical activity and ongoing stress can all place additional strain on both body and mind.

Modern wellness approaches focus not on “fixing” these feelings, but on supporting the systems that help us adapt — allowing us to revitalise the body, rejuvenate the mind, and renew the spirit during the winter months.

Light Exposure, Circadian Rhythms & Mood

Light plays a central role in regulating circadian rhythms and neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine.

Red Light Therapy has been studied for its effects on mitochondrial function and cellular energy production. Research published in journals such as Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews and Photomedicine and Laser Surgery suggests that light-based therapies may influence neural pathways associated with mood regulation and cognitive performance.

For wellness clients, red light therapy is often used as a supportive tool during winter when natural light exposure is limited.

Infrared Sauna & Stress Resilience

Heat exposure has long been associated with relaxation and recovery. Infrared sauna therapy delivers gentle, penetrating heat that encourages circulation and a parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) response.

Large population studies, including research published in JAMA Internal Medicine, have linked regular sauna use with improved cardiovascular markers and reduced stress-related outcomes. Sauna therapy is widely used to support relaxation, sleep quality and nervous system balance.

Cold Plunge Therapy & Emotional Resilience

Cold exposure activates the sympathetic nervous system in a controlled environment. Studies published in journals such as Medical Hypotheses and Frontiers in Physiology suggest cold exposure may influence endorphin release and stress-response pathways.

For some individuals, cold plunge therapy supports:

Mental clarity
Emotional resilience
A sense of reset during periods of low motivation

Consistency and moderation are key, cold therapy for wellness is about balance, not extremes.

Oxygen, Energy & Cognitive Support

Oxygen is fundamental to cellular metabolism and brain function. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) increases oxygen availability in the bloodstream, supporting tissue oxygenation and circulation.

Research published in journals such as Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience has explored HBOT’s influence on cognitive performance, fatigue and cellular processes associated with ageing. In a wellness context, HBOT is often used to support energy levels and mental clarity, particularly during physically or emotionally demanding periods.

Why Regular Wellness Support Matters in Winter

Winter wellbeing is cumulative. Supporting mood, energy and resilience often requires consistent input over time rather than one-off interventions.

At Wellness By Resolve, we encourage structured wellness routines through:

25% off first-time sessions
Multi-session packages with 5–20% savings
Curated protocols for common wellness goals

Supporting Winter Wellbeing

Located in Sutton Coldfield (B74 4BZ), Wellness By Resolve supports clients seeking accessible, science-informed wellness therapies.

If winter has felt like a time of depletion, we invite you to explore a more supportive approach, one that helps you revitalise your body, rejuvenate your mind, and renew your spirit.

Explore sessions and packages here: https://www.fresha.com/book-now/wellness-by-resolve-jt6ourru/all-offer?share=true&pId=1287829