In 2025, the most depressing day of the year, nicknamed „Blue Monday,” falls on Monday, January 20th.
„Blue Monday” is a name given to the Monday of the third week of January, considered by lifestyle counselors in the UK to be the most depressing day of the year.
The name was first attributed to this day in 2005 by the company Sky Travel, as part of an advertising campaign. Subsequently, this date has been associated with several negative social connotations: weather changes, bad luck in business, romantic breakups.
For those who prefer to always see the glass half full, January is the month when people set new goals, start engaging in interesting activities, and undergo a process of reevaluation in the hope of achieving optimistic results in the next 12 months, according to mirror.co.uk.
However, for the less optimistic, January is the most challenging month of the year.
In January, the human body feels the effects of excessive alcohol and chocolate consumption from December, bank accounts are almost depleted due to Christmas gifts and New Year's parties.
Additionally, it will be a few more months until daylight significantly increases, and the body's vitamin D levels can regenerate through natural exposure to sunlight.
There is also an empirical calculation formula to determine this special day.
According to the travel agency Sky Travel, quoting lifestyle expert Cliff Arnall, the calculation formula takes into account several variables:
- weather conditions;
- level of accumulated debts;
- number of days passed since Christmas;
- number of days passed since failing to meet New Year's resolutions;
- low motivation level.
How to combat the Blue Monday feeling
Light: Spend time outdoors when possible or use light therapy.
Move your body: Physical exercises, even a short walk, have been proven beneficial for your mood.
Plan something enjoyable: Organize a get-together with friends, book a getaway, or simply plan an afternoon for relaxation.
Focus on small victories: Instead of dwelling on missed goals, celebrate small achievements.