Blue Monday? Five easy ways to find joy in January
Feeling Down in January? Here's What Actually Helps (And What Doesn't)
What Happened
BBC published lifestyle advice for dealing with January blues, suggesting five methods to improve mood during what's commonly called "Blue Monday" - the third Monday in January, often labeled the most depressing day of the year.
Historical Context
"Blue Monday" was invented in 2005 by a travel company's marketing campaign, not scientific research. January depression spikes are real, but they're largely seasonal (less sunlight, post-holiday comedown, financial stress from December spending) rather than tied to one specific day. Seasonal Affective Disorder affects 5% of adults, typically lasting 40% of the year. The Romans had a saying: "January is the graveyard of resolutions" - this pattern of post-holiday difficulty is ancient, not modern.
What's In Your Control
• Your daily routine: sleep schedule, exercise, time outdoors
• What you consume: news, social media, food, alcohol
• How you frame this month: as punishment or as preparation for spring
• Your expectations: accepting that some days feel harder than others
• Small daily practices: gratitude, helping others, meaningful work
Does This Require Action?
This requires self-awareness, not urgent action. Permission granted: You can acknowledge January feels tough without buying into marketing-driven doom about specific days. You don't need to be optimally happy every day - that's not how humans work.
Source: BBC