From Blue to Green – Green Monday

Monday, January 20, 2025, is once again Blue Monday — often referred to as the most depressing day of the year. Fortunately, there’s a simple way to experience this day differently and give it a positive twist: by getting active in nature.

In recent years, there has been growing evidence that regular exercise in nature is beneficial for our mental health. It helps reduce stress, promotes relaxation, boosts energy levels, improves concentration, enhances creativity, and leads to better sleep.

That’s why Nature For Health, together with other organizations like Alles is Gezondheid, Staatsbosbeheer, Wandelcoaches.nl, and Gezond Natuur Wandelen, is calling on everyone to head out into nature on Blue Monday and turn it into a Green Monday. Whether it’s a guided or self-guided walk, a bike ride, or simply spending time outdoors — nature stimulates your senses and gives your mental health a boost.

Go outside, take part in one of the activities, and use the hashtag #vanblauwnaargroen to share your experience on social media and inspire others to spend more time in nature for better mental health.

See here also the Green Monday page on the website of one of the initiators, Alles is Gezondheid, from which much of the above text has been sourced.