Combat Blue Monday with Mood-Boosting Foods

According to news sources, today, January 16, 2012, is the most depressing day of the year. Blue Monday, as it’s referred to, was discovered in 2005 by a former tutor from Cardiff University in Wales, based on a humorous yet wildly accurate formula, which takes into account weather conditions, time passed since Christmas, and looming debt, among other things.

While we may be tempted to bury ourselves in our beds and avoid the day altogether, it may be possible to counter the negative feelings Blue Monday brings by eating a variety of mood-boosting foods.

Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 and other B vitamins play a key role in brain health and contribute to the production of mood-regulating neurotransmitters. Munch on fortified cereals, salmon, hard-boiled eggs, and yogourt—all sources of vitamin B12.

Selenium
This trace mineral acts as an antioxidant in the body, fighting off free radicals to protect the body from an array of diseases. Selenium deficiency is often associated with depression among individuals, so stock up on your selenium-rich foods such as Brazil nuts, tuna, turkey, sunflower seeds, and cottage cheese.

Omega-3s
In a 2011 study from the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), a common omega-3 fatty acid found in cold-water fish, was shown to reduce depression scores in participants. Load up on omega-3-rich fish such as salmon, tuna, mackerel, sardines, and herring.

Chocolate
Recent research has shown that chocolate may have physical (as well as emotional!) mood-boosting properties. A recent study showed that participants with chronic fatigue syndrome who were given chocolate high in polyphenols showed improvements in their condition, including an improved Hospital Anxiety and Depression score.  Just another reason to bust out that stash of chocolate!