6 anti-“Blue Monday” tips
Monday, 19 January, it’s that time again: Blue Monday. Below you’ll find six Utrecht tips to help you get through the most depressing Monday of the year (and the rest of January). And luckily, you don’t have to go far to get a boost of happiness hormones this month!
1. Light a fire
Embrace the dark evenings and treat yourself to some comfort food outside your home. And where better to do this in this cold winter month than by a cosy fire? In Utrecht city center, you can visit restaurants such as Le Clochard, Graaf Floris, and Springhaver for a delicious meal by a cozy fire.
2. Vegan Food Tour Utrecht
Have you made a New Year’s resolution to eat less meat or go completely vegan? And fancy a nice walk for some extra happiness hormones? Then the Vegan Food Tour Utrecht is the perfect outing! Stroll through the historic city center of Utrecht while enjoying delicious vegan dishes. As you enjoy all these tasty treats, your guide will share fun facts and trivia about our city.
3. Dopamine at the Dom
Was exercise and physical activity already high on your list of New Year’s resolutions? Great! Exercise is not only good for your body, but also for your mind. Research shows that exercise helps combat feelings of gloom and stress. So, are you having a bad day? Then we have the perfect exercise tip for you in Utrecht: climb the 465 steps of the Dom Tower! It’s a good hour-long workout, which you can do during your lunch break, for example, and you’ll also learn more about the tower and be rewarded with a beautiful view of the city. Win-win!
4. A ray of light
After all those sporty and green activities during the day, it’s time to deal with the dark hours of Blue Monday. Luckily, there are plenty of bright spots in the city this winter. Until 28 January, you can find the I Light U light artworks in and around the station area. This exhibition centres around the theme Urban Transformation, with artists creating atmospheric light installations that you can enjoy even more during these dark winter months.
5. Book lovers
Research has shown that reading books is a great way to reduce stress. Snuggle up on the sofa under a blanket and lose yourself in another world. Step into one of the many cosy bookshops Utrecht has to offer and let yourself be surprised!
6. Holiday anticipation
And last but not least: Blue Monday is the perfect day to book your city trip to Utrecht. According to British psychologist Cliff Arnall, one reason we feel down is because it takes so long before the next holiday. So go ahead and book your trip to Utrecht, so you have something fun to look forward to!