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Blue Monday

Beat the bleak, post-festive slump by setting (or resetting) resolutions, getting some exercise in the fresh air or watching an uplifting movie.

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Capitalize on post-holiday motivation slump by positioning achievable wellness, fitness, and lifestyle pivots as the antidote to Blue Monday blues.

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Reset Your Resolutions: Smaller, Smarter Goals for January Success
Beat the January Slump: Realistic Wellness Swaps That Actually Stick
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Blue Monday Survival Guide: Outdoor Fitness & Feel-Good Content Picks

History

Blue Monday was created back in 2005 by Sky Travel Shop, a television channel devoted exclusively to programs about traveling, documentaries, and commercials for travel agencies. The folks at Sky Travel named this day “Blue Monday” and called it the most depressing day of the year for a variety of reasons.

One of Sky Travel’s main claims is that Blue Monday is a calculated date from an equation. The day was originally part of a publicity campaign, but later gained popularity and its share of both supporters and opponents, and seems to generally be here to stay.

The date varies from year to year, depending on a variety of factors, such as weather, debt, the time that has passed since Christmas day, the time that has passed since we failed at fulfilling our New Year’s resolutions, low motivational levels connected with previous failures, and the need to take action.

The formula for calculating which day is the “bluest” day of the year has been mocked by many academics as pseudoscience, as it does not use any specific units and does not seem to be particularly foolproof.

These people argue that there isn’t one specific day that makes you sadder than others, and there is no formula to calculate this idea. Many say that Blue Monday has particular symptoms, such as feeling down/sluggish and depressed from the colder weather and end of holiday festivities.

Nevertheless, it was published under the name of Cliff Arnall, who had at that time been a tutor at the Centre for Lifelong Learning, a Further Education center attached to Cardiff University.

How to celebrate

Take Stock of Resolutions

Failed New Year’s resolutions are very common, so if you have failed at persevering, now would be a great time to think a bit about why that is and how that could have been avoided. Next, you can create a new resolution or two and, wiser now than before, succeed at them this time around. Think about how you managed your resolutions, and if you didn’t set yourself up for failure right off the bat by creating unrealistic expectations of yourself. Did you decide to go vegan starting January first? Going vegan is a big move, and of course an honorable one, but it is also quite challenging, especially if you were eating steaks and yogurt and sunny-side-up eggs just the day before.

Be Realistic

Deciding that you will suddenly cut every single animal product could be much more of a sacrifice than your body is ready to make overnight, and so you may find yourself sliding within a few days, only to feel miserable for failing. So instead of going vegan, perhaps go vegetarian for a while first to help your body get accustomed to your new eating habits. Then, after a few months, when you feel ready, it will be time to take the next step. In short, take this day to re-plan your resolutions so you can get them right the next time around.

Set New Resolutions

Rather than setting large New Year’s Resolutions, set smaller ones that are easier to achieve. Go vegetarian instead of vegan or cut out one specific animal product. Set smaller exercise goals such as aiming to work out for 30 minutes at least four times a week. Rather than trying to run a marathon, set smaller goals for running a certain amount of miles by a certain date.

FAQ

Why is Blue Monday often considered pseudoscientific?

Blue Monday’s origin involves a formula that includes weather, debt, and failed resolutions. However, critics argue the equation lacks scientific backing, calling it more a marketing gimmick than true psychological research. Psychologists note that sadness can’t be pinned to a single day. Despite this, the concept’s popularity persists, partly because people can relate to post-holiday fatigue.

How did “Blue” come to represent sadness, especially on this day?

The phrase “feeling blue” dates back to seafaring traditions. If a ship lost its captain, it would fly blue flags and paint a blue band along its hull upon returning to port. This connection between the color blue and sorrow likely inspired the name Blue Monday, linking it to a day supposedly marked by collective sadness.

What’s a unique way people celebrate Blue Monday in Finland?

In Finland, a country familiar with long winters, people embrace Blue Monday through “National Hugging Day.” The idea is to spread warmth during dark winter months. Friends, families, and even strangers exchange hugs to counter seasonal sadness, a practice that could help offset the gloomy feelings associated with Blue Monday.

Is there any truth to Blue Monday being the “saddest” day?

Studies show no evidence supporting Blue Monday as exceptionally sad. While weather and holiday debt can impact mood, these factors are ongoing through winter. Experts suggest these moods relate more to seasonal affective disorder (SAD) than a specific day.

How do people in Japan combat winter blues, similar to Blue Monday?

In Japan, people enjoy “Setsubun,” a February ritual to drive away winter demons and welcome spring. They throw roasted soybeans to ward off “oni” (demons), symbolically casting out negativity. This positive and cleansing ceremony can help lift spirits during the dark months, similar to Blue Monday’s intention.

What are some unusual myths about Blue Monday?

One myth claims Blue Monday can impact relationships, with higher breakup rates due to post-holiday stress. However, studies show no significant trend in breakups specifically on Blue Monday. Instead, January’s high breakup rate likely stems from stress and financial strain post-holidays.

Has Blue Monday influenced pop culture?

Blue Monday has appeared in media, such as movies and song titles. For example, New Order’s 1983 song “Blue Monday” became an anthem for sadness and alienation, though unrelated to the day itself. The song’s influence mirrors the concept’s resonance in popular culture.

How do some wellness brands capitalize on Blue Monday?

Wellness brands often target Blue Monday with discounts on products like SAD lamps and supplements. The day provides an opportunity for brands to offer self-care products that can improve mood. This commercialization resembles the marketing that originally popularized the day.

How did social media contribute to Blue Monday’s popularity?

Social media amplified Blue Monday by turning it into a hashtag. Influencers share advice or products to lift moods on this “sad” day, blending personal narratives with branded content. This online presence helps keep the concept alive, despite scientific criticism.

How can Blue Monday be reframed positively?

Many now see Blue Monday as a reminder to start new routines. Instead of focusing on sadness, people use it as a fresh start, reflecting on what brings joy. In this sense, Blue Monday encourages positive thinking and mental health awareness.