How to Beat ‘Blue Monday’, the Most Depressing Day of the Year

ORIGINAL ARTICLE: How to Beat ‘Blue Monday’, the Most Depressing Day of the Year

Have you ever found yourself feeling particularly down on a specific Monday in January?

You’re not alone. This day has been dubbed ‘Blue Monday’, and it’s often described as the most depressing day of the year.

But what is Blue Monday, really?

And more importantly, how can we transform this supposedly gloomy day into a beacon of positivity?

Let’s dive in and unravel the mystery of Blue Monday.

Unravelling the Blue Monday Myth

Before we delve into strategies for beating Blue Monday, it’s crucial to understand what it is and where it came from.

Contrary to popular belief, Blue Monday isn’t a scientifically proven phenomenon.

It’s a concept that was thought up in 2004 by psychologist Cliff Arnall for a travel company, Sky Travel.

The company used the idea as a PR stunt to promote their winter deals.

Arnall’s formula for the ‘most depressing day of the year’ included factors like weather, debt, time since Christmas, time since failing our New Year’s resolutions, low motivational levels, and the feeling of needing to take action.

Blue Monday FAQs

Blue Monday is traditionally observed on the third Monday of January.

In 2024, this falls on the 15th of January.

The term ‘Blue Monday’ was coined to represent a time when people are supposedly feeling their lowest or most “blue”.

This perception is attributed to factors like cold weather, the return to work after the holidays, financial strain following Christmas, and the guilt of broken New Year’s resolutions.

However, it’s important to remember that Blue Monday is not a scientifically validated concept.

It’s a term that has been perpetuated by companies for PR purposes since its inception in 2004.

Turning Blue Monday Around

While Blue Monday isn’t scientifically proven, the factors used in Arnall’s calculation are real-life issues that many people face.

The Mental Health Foundation encourages us to look after our mental health against commercial influences.

Here are some ways to feel less blue:

• Remember it’s a myth: There are no scientific studies to support the concept of Blue Monday.
• Acknowledge that we all have good and bad days: It’s impossible for everyone to feel the same way on one particular day.
• Use it as an opportunity to check in on your mental health: Instead of assuming you’ll feel blue, reflect on your mental well-being and continue to do so throughout the year.
• Talk things through with others: Sharing your thoughts and feelings can be beneficial for your mental health.

Strategies for a Positive Blue Monday

Now that we’ve debunked the myth of the most depressing day of the year, let’s focus on how we can turn this day around.

Here are four strategies to help you beat the Blue Monday blues:

• Focus on the good things: Try not to let negative events dominate your thoughts. Instead, concentrate on the positive aspects of your life.
• Be grateful: Acknowledge the positive things happening around you, no matter how small. This can shift your focus from negative to positive.
• Try to smile and laugh more: Laughter has been found to help relieve depression, stress, and anxiety. A simple laugh or smile can instantly lift your spirits.
• Use positive affirmations: Start every day with a positive thought, saying, memory, or quote, and remind yourself of it throughout the day.

In conclusion, the most depressing day of the year is just a concept.

It’s up to us to decide how we perceive and react to it.

Instead of viewing it as the most depressing day of the year, we can choose to see it as an opportunity to focus on our mental well-being and spread positivity.

Remember, every day is a new day, and it’s never too late to start making positive changes.

So, let’s turn Blue Monday into a day of self-care, positivity, and mental health awareness.

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