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Mental Wellness In The Blue Zone

Stories People Mental Wellness In The Blue Zone

January can be a difficult time for many and especially for people who are already struggling with their mental health.

Blue Monday falls on January 19 this year

The third Monday in January is often referred to as “Blue Monday” because it is said to be the saddest, most depressing day of the year. It is still dark and the weather can be grey and cold. For some people, the happiness of the holidays has worn off and for others, the holidays weren’t happy to begin with.

But at Centennial Place, a mental health clubhouse in Mission facilitated by Communitas, the members have chosen to shift the narrative of Blue Monday into something positive. Each year, they intentionally turn the whole week into a series of meaningful, fun activities that give people a lift.

“Our goal for the week this year is to help members discover ways to shift their day-to-day activities in healthier directions,” says manager, Krystina Hetherington.

Wisdom from the Blue Zones

This year, their chosen theme for the week is Blue Zones.

Blue Zones map photo credit: Harvard Health

A Blue Zone refers to one of five geographic areas in the world with a disproportionate number of centenarians: people who live to be over 100 years old and live well.

Extensive research has been done on these areas to determine the common factors that allow this to happen. The members at Centennial Place have dedicated each day of Blue Week to one of these factors.

“We really want to focus on the positive lifestyle traits that help people stay healthy,” Krystina says. “These include healthy foods, incorporating physical activity into daily life, building and keeping a positive support network, and lowering stress.”

Good Food, Good Friends, Less Stress

Clubhouse members, Joyce and Jeanecile say healthy nutrition makes a big difference to their mental wellness

The five Blue Zones are:

Okinawa, Japan: Known for “hara hachi bu” (eat until 80% full) and a focus on strong community.

Sardinia, Italy: Home to the world’s longest-lived men, with strong family bonds, and a diet rich in whole foods.

Nicoya, Costa Rica: Focuses on a simple diet, daily movement, and a strong sense of purpose.

Ikaria, Greece: Features a Mediterranean diet, naps, and a relaxed pace of life.

Loma Linda, California, USA: A community of Seventh-day Adventists with a healthy, plant-based lifestyle.

While these are vastly different places in terms of geography, economy, language, and more, the Blue Zones have many things in common that can have a positive effect on one’s physical and mental health.

Impacting Mental Health

Krystina (second from right) and several clubhouse members prepare a healthy meal in their cafe

Each day of Blue Week the members at Centennial Place will focus on a different zone. For example, Monday’s community kitchen they’ll be making Sardinian Minestrone soup with sourdough bread. On Wednesday they’ll focus on the Greek way of life with a Mediterranean diet lunch. On another day, they will focus on how physical activity can improve mental health. Each day will be a reminder of having a positive social network. At the end of the week, they’ll meet to talk about how to keep these positive habits going in their every day lives.

“Being part of a supportive community is essential to longevity – and to mental wellness,” Krystina says. “At Centennial Place, that community is already built into everything we do.”