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

Awks.

blue monday

by Emma Dodds |
Updated on

Dr Cliff Arnall, a tutor at Cardiff University, was the first man to use the term "Blue Monday" to describe the third Monday of January.

Since he first used it in 2005, Dr Cliff's phrase has come to be known as the most "depressing" day of the year.

To be fair, it does make sense - you're well into January, Christmas feels like it was years ago and, to top it all off, it's blimmin' freezing.

In 2006, he created a formula to explain his theory, based on: weather conditions, debt level, time since Christmas, time since failing our new year’s resolutions, low motivational levels and feeling of a need to take action. Can anyone else relate?

Blue Monday is always the third Monday of January every year, and is recognised as a very negative day - but Dr Cliff says he never meant it to be a bad thing.

Speaking about the day after partnering with Virgin Atlantic and Virgin Holidays, Dr Arnall said that the sad feeling around the day was "never my intention", saying that he actually meant for it to be a positive day.

According to the doctor, he wanted to encourage people to be positive on Blue Monday and see the time of year as an opportunity for new beginnings and change.

He said: "Whether embarking on a new career, meeting new friends, taking up a new hobby or booking a new adventure, January is actually a great time to make those big decisions for the year ahead."

Hmm... Whatever you say, doctor!

Feeling stressed or down? Here are our top self-care buys:

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Gallery

Blue Monday Essentials

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. amazon.co.uk

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.amazon.co.uk

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. amazon.co.uk

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. amazon.co.uk

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.amazon.co.uk

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. amazon.co.uk

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. amazon.co.uk

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.amazon.co.uk

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. amazon.co.uk

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. amazon.co.uk

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. amazon.co.uk

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.amazon.co.uk

Caremail Self Care Mens Gift Box Set13 of 24

Caremail Self Care Mens Gift Box Set

For the men in your life!amazon.co.uk

Calma Llama Stress Toy14 of 24

Calma Llama Stress Toy

This novelty llama makes us smile, even just looking at it…amazon.co.uk

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. amazon.co.uk

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

The journey to self-discovery starts here.amazon.co.uk

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. amazon.co.uk

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. amazon.co.uk

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. amazon.co.uk

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.amazon.co.uk

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.amazon.co.uk

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. amazon.co.uk

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.amazon.co.uk

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. amazon.co.uk

How do you feel about Blue Monday? Do you feel particularly sad on the third Monday of the year or do you use it as a time for reflection? Let us know over on Facebook and Twitter.

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