So what IS Blue Monday? Here’s everything you need to know…

Like, is it even real?

sad woman blue monday

by Emma Dodds |
Updated on

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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Gallery

Blue Monday Self Care

Orla Keily Lavender Read Diffuser1 of 24
CREDIT: Orla Keily

Orla 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.

Scentered DE Stress Aromatherapy Balm Stick2 of 24

Scentered 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.

Bach Rescue Pastilles3 of 24
CREDIT: Bach Rescue Pastilles

6 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.

The Anxiety Journal: Exercises to soothe stress and eliminate anxiety wherever you are by Corinne Sweet4 of 24

The 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.

This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray5 of 24

This 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.

jaymag Weighted Blanket6 of 24

jaymag Weighted Blanket

Whether you're listening to a guided meditation or reading a book, this weighted blanked is really comforting.

The Mindfulness Colouring Book: Anti-stress Art Therapy for Busy People by Emma Farrarons, £5.327 of 24

The 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.

Calming Crystals, £13.958 of 24

Calming 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.

Emartbuy Hardbound Pastel Diary Notebook, £14.999 of 24

Emartbuy 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.

Scentered DE Stress Aromatherapy Scented Candle10 of 24

Scentered DE Stress Aromatherapy Scented Candle

Stop and light this aromatherapy scented candle to have a mindful moment.

Conysan Silk Eye Mask set11 of 24

Conysan 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.

Caremail Self Care Womens Gift Box Set12 of 24

Caremail Self Care Womens Gift Box Set

How cute is this self-care pack? Make everyday a 'you' day with this gift set.

Caremail Self Care Mens Gift Box Set13 of 24

Caremail Self Care Mens Gift Box Set

For the men in your life!

Calma Llama Stress Toy14 of 24

Calma Llama Stress Toy

This novelty llama makes us smile, even just looking at it…

Swear word coloring book: Adult swear & motivational coloring book for stress relief & relaxation by Blue Moon Press House15 of 24

Swear word coloring book: Adult swear & motivational coloring book for stress relief & relaxation by Blue Moon Press House

Combining two of our favourite things.

A Year of Mindfulness: A 52-Week Guided Journal to Cultivate Peace and Presence by Jennifer Raye16 of 24

A Year of Mindfulness: A 52-Week Guided Journal to Cultivate Peace and Presence by Jennifer Raye

Journey to self-discovery starts here.

Westlab Recover Bathing Salt17 of 24

Westlab Recover Bathing Salt

After a long day, run yourself a bath and soothe your aching muscles in Epsom Salts with white willow and eucalyptus.

The Combo Yoga Mat18 of 24

The 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.

PAPERIAN Daily Manager19 of 24

PAPERIAN 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.

The Gift Experience Scratch Poster - 100 Exercises in Mindfulness20 of 24

The 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.

The Little Calm and Happy Company Calm and Mindfulness Positive quotes Jar21 of 24

The 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.

The Happy News Mug - Keep Doing Your Best22 of 24

The 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.

2-3 KG Original Himalayan Crystal Rock Salt Lamp23 of 24

2-3 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.

English Tea Shop Organic Calming Blend - 100g Loose leaf tea in a Tin24 of 24

English 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

Beat the January blues with these top tips from Jo Hemmings

The man who coined the phrase Blue Monday says he didn't mean it to be a sad day

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