Monday January 20 is Blue Monday and will, apparently, be the most depressing day of the year (we're sorry for bringing you this sad news if you were in blissful ignorance).
But who decided this? When did it begin? And why? Here’s everything you need to know…
What is Blue Monday?
Blue Monday is apparently the most depressing day of the year, and falls on the third Monday of January. The term was coined in 2005 by travel company Sky Travel as part of a press release to try and urge people to book holidays. It worked. Or at least, it struck a chord, as it immediately caught on and became the phenomenon we know today.
But why the third Monday of January?
The person responsible for deciding that the third Monday in January is the most depressing day of the year is Dr. Arnall, who was a tutor at the Centre for Lifelong Learning at Cardiff University.
The date was apparently chosen because of a number of elements, including the bad weather conditions, the amount of debt people are in (post-Christmas, pre-pay day), and how long it has been since Christmas.
But is it actually the most depressing day of the year?
Well... probably not. It turns out, there isn't much actual scientific truth to the formula (although, we have to admit that the weather is bad, we are broke, and Christmas does feel a lifetime away!), and the entire concept has been ridiculed by other scientists. In fact, a neuroscientist named Dean Burnett called it "farcical" and "scientifically ridiculous".
He added: "It's like a maths problem that goes '43 – 12 + the colour red x mouldy cheese – the theme songs from Friends =…' It’s impossible to solve this because all the individual components are so different and have no compatibility with each other."
Ouch.
Does it really matter if it’s true or not?
It might all seem like a bit of fun, some people don’t think Blue Monday is a laughing matter. The Mental health charity, Mind, released a statement in protest of Blue Monday, saying: "Here at Mind, we think it's dangerously misleading.
"Those of us who live with depression know that those feelings aren't dictated by the date. Implying that they are perpetuates the myth that depression is just 'feeling a bit down', something that doesn't need to be taken seriously."
That being said, if you are feeling a little blue, that's totally fine. Why not take some time for yourself this week (or any day of the year, to be honest) and focus on your self-care?
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Blue Monday Self Care
1 of 24Orla Kiely Lavender Reed Diffuser
Pop this beauty in your bedroom to fill the air with an aroma of calm and peace. The lavender, lemon and geranium scents will help you to naturally unwind and calm your senses.
2 of 24Scentered DE Stress Aromatherapy Balm Stick
Apply this nourishing balm to pulse points and inhale the uplifting scents of camomile, mimosa and jasmine to ease away everyday tensions.
3 of 246 pack of Bach Rescue Soothing Pastilles - Orange & Elderflower
These soothing pastilles will help to relax you in stressful situations on the go, their click-shut tin is perfect for popping in your handbag.
4 of 24The Anxiety Journal: Exercises to soothe stress and eliminate anxiety wherever you are by Corinne Sweet
It's a tool to help you understand anxiety better as well as feeling calm and peaceful.
5 of 24This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray
Forget restless nights and sleep easier with this fast-acting pillow spray. It will help you to relax and helps to reduce anxiety.
£15.99
- Rrp: £24.00
6 of 24jaymag Weighted Blanket
Whether you're listening to a guided meditation or reading a book, this weighted blanked is really comforting.
7 of 24The Mindfulness Colouring Book: Anti-stress Art Therapy for Busy People by Emma Farrarons
There's something really satisfying about a colouring book, right? Don't worry if you don't keep in the lines - it's your rules.
£8.75
- Rrp: £9.99
8 of 24Calming Crystals
This one isn't for everyone but holding a calming crystal in your hand is great for focusing. It can help you to be centred and return your attention to your breath.
9 of 24Emartbuy Hardbound Pastel Diary Notebook
Jot down your thoughts and worries in this notebook, try not to let your mind wander to those thoughts again. Plus, it's a great place to put your daily affirmations in.
10 of 24Scentered DE Stress Aromatherapy Scented Candle
Stop and light this aromatherapy scented candle to have a mindful moment.
11 of 24Conysan Silk Eye Mask set
It might sound simple but getting a good night sleep can help you feel less stressed. Try getting more ZZZs with a sleep mask.
12 of 24Caremail Self Care Womens Gift Box Set
How cute is this self-care pack? Make everyday a 'you' day with this gift set.
15 of 24Swear word coloring book: Adult swear & motivational coloring book for stress relief & relaxation by Blue Moon Press House
Combining two of our favourite things.
16 of 24A Year of Mindfulness: A 52-Week Guided Journal to Cultivate Peace and Presence by Jennifer Raye
Journey to self-discovery starts here.
17 of 24Westlab Recover Bathing Salt
After a long day, run yourself a bath and soothe your aching muscles in Epsom Salts with white willow and eucalyptus.
18 of 24The Combo Yoga Mat
Unwind with a new hobby that gets your moving. Not only is yoga fantastic for helping with stress, but it's also a chance for you to join a class and meet some new people.
19 of 24PAPERIAN Daily Manager
Keep this on your dressing table or your desk at work, filling it out will help you be more productive and feel less stress.
20 of 24The Gift Experience Scratch Poster - 100 Exercises in Mindfulness
Wake up every day and scratch off one of the 100 mindful acts on this poster, which includes activities like helping strangers and spending less time on your phone.
21 of 24The Little Calm and Happy Company Calm and Mindfulness Positive quotes Jar
When you're feeling stressed, pull a note from this jar and feel the stress disappear.
22 of 24The Happy News Mug - Keep Doing Your Best
Having a cuppa is sometimes all you need to relax. This mug inspirational quote will help to pick you up when you're feeling down.
23 of 242-3 KG Original Himalayan Crystal Rock Salt Lamp
When switched on, the negative salt ions from a Himalayan crystal rock salt lamp should improve sleep, calm allergies as well as other great benefits. Plus, it'll look incredible in your bedroom.
£16.99
- Rrp: £19.99
24 of 24English Tea Shop Organic Calming Blend - 100g Loose leaf tea in a Tin
Swap that glass of wine before bed for a soothing cup of tea.
Do you believe Blue Monday really is the most depressing day of the year? Let us know over on Facebook and Twitter.
Like this? Now read these:
7 cheap and easy things you can do to cheer yourself up on Blue Monday
The man who coined the phrase Blue Monday says he didn't mean it to be a sad day