Here are five facts about Blue Monday, the day often referred to as the “most depressing day of the year”:

1. Origin of the Term

The term “Blue Monday” was coined in 2005 by Dr. Cliff Arnall, a British psychologist. He developed a formula that calculated the third Monday in January as the most depressing day of the year. The formula took into account factors like weather, debt, time since Christmas, and low motivation.

2. The Formula Behind It

Dr. Arnall’s formula for determining Blue Monday involves variables such as weather conditions, the time since Christmas, the financial strain of post-holiday debt, and the failure of New Year’s resolutions. The formula, however, has been criticized by many as pseudoscience, but it continues to be widely discussed.

3. Psychological Impact

Blue Monday is typically associated with feelings of low energy, lack of motivation, and general sadness. Many people experience post-holiday blues after the festive period ends, combined with dark winter days and the pressure of a new year’s expectations.

4. Commercialization of Blue Monday

The concept of Blue Monday has been heavily commercialized, with companies using it as a marketing tool to sell products or services aimed at improving mood. Travel agencies, gyms, and wellness brands often promote their offerings during this time to help combat the “blues.”

5. Debate Over Its Validity

While Blue Monday is widely recognized in popular culture, many psychologists and experts argue that the idea of a “most depressing day” is oversimplified. They point out that depression and low mood can be experienced year-round and are not confined to one specific day. Critics also argue that the day is more of a media creation than a scientifically backed phenomenon.