Is Blue Monday actually a thing?

The third Monday in January has become widely known as Blue Monday—allegedly the most depressing day of the year.

But is there any truth to it?  Let’s find out!

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What exactly is Blue Monday?

The idea of ‘Blue Monday’ was first introduced in 2005 by a UK travel company as part of a marketing ploy. They claimed that the third Monday in January was the most depressing day of the year due to post-Christmas blues, financial challenges, cold weather and failed New Year’s resolutions.

The idea gained considerable public and media attention and is now used in many marketing campaigns; however, Blue Monday has no scientific backing and has been widely criticised by psychologists for being overly simplistic and unhelpful.

Is there any truth to Blue Monday?

In short, no. Mental health is shaped by all sorts of personal, social and environmental factors and low mood can affect people at any time of year.

That said, things like shorter days, money worries from festive (over)spending and the come down from Christmas can definitely affect how people feel in January and make it a particularly hard month for many. Around 1 in 15 people in the UK will also suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)—a type of depression linked to lack of daylight— during the winter months. But it’s not just about one day; SAD can stick around all season long.

How to support employee mental health, throughout January and beyond

While Blue Monday might not have any science behind it, it can act as a good nudge to start conversations about mental health and the importance of prioritising our wellbeing at a time when many of us might be struggling to do so.

So, why not use the opportunity to get your teams engaging with this vital topic? Below, we share some simple things you can encourage employees to try to boost their mental wellbeing throughout the rest of January and beyond.

Stay active

Only 61% of UK adults currently meet the recommended activity levels, but physical activity is vital for maintaining a positive mood. You don’t need to join a gym; just try to move a bit more each day. Even a short daily walk can release endorphins, and getting outdoors will provide that much-needed exposure to natural light.

Maintain social connection

It’s easy to feel isolated during winter when the cold weather and shorter days often make staying in sound so much more appealing than venturing out to see people. But staying connected with friends, family and colleagues is really important for our mental wellbeing. If meeting up in person is tricky, send a quick text or email or arrange to call or FaceTime instead. You could even arrange a Zoom quiz as a fun way to bring everyone together.

Set realistic goals

New Year’s resolutions can sometimes be a bit overambitious, so try focusing on small, achievable goals. That way, you can keep making progress without feeling overwhelmed.

Practice self-care

Take care of yourself by prioritising sleep, eating well and taking time for things that help you unwind, like reading or watching your favourite show. Try not to feel guilty for spending more time on the sofa – it’s totally normal throughout the winter season!

Seek support if you need it

If your low mood or anxiety persists, it’s important to reach out to your GP or a mental health professional for advice and support. Don’t struggle alone.