January 20, 2025, marks the third Monday of the year, commonly known as Blue Monday. This day is often referred to as the most depressing day of the year due to a combination of post-holiday blues, cold dark nights, and the arrival of unpaid credit card bills. However, it has also become a symbolic time to acknowledge the common feelings of sadness or slump many experience in January and to promote mental health awareness and self-care.

The Origins of Blue Monday

Blue Monday was first introduced in 2005 by Sky Travel, a British travel company, as part of a PR stunt. Dr. Cliff Arnall, a British psychologist, was commissioned to create a formula to calculate the most depressing day of the year. The formula took into account factors such as average temperature, days since last pay, days until next bank holiday, average hours of daylight, and the number of nights in during the month. However, the formula has been widely criticized as pseudoscience, and Dr. Arnall himself has since apologized for misleading people about the concept(1)(3)(5).

Reframing Blue Monday

Despite its controversial origins, Blue Monday has become a day to inspire positive change and motivation. Many people use this day as an opportunity to reflect on their mental health, set new goals, and practice self-care. Here are some tips to help you beat the Blue Monday blues:

  • Take Stock of Resolutions: Review your New Year’s resolutions and create new, achievable goals.
  • Get Physical Exercise: Engage in physical activity to boost your mood and energy levels.
  • Watch an Inspiring Movie or Show: Take your mind off the winter weather with an uplifting movie or TV show.
  • Practice Self-Care: Spend time on yourself, whether it’s reading a book, taking a bath, or cooking your favorite meal(2)(3).

The Importance of Mental Health Awareness

Blue Monday serves as a reminder to check in on your mental health and seek help if needed. It’s essential to recognize that depression is a serious condition that affects many people, and it’s not limited to one day of the year. By promoting mental health awareness and self-care, we can work towards creating a more supportive and understanding community.

Conclusion

Blue Monday 2025 is not just a day to acknowledge the post-holiday blues, but also a day to inspire positive change and motivation. By reframing this day as an opportunity for self-care and mental health awareness, we can work towards creating a healthier and happier community. Share your thoughts and tips on how to beat the Blue Monday blues in the comments below!

Sources:

(1) Haptivate. (n.d.). Blue Monday 2025 Survival Guide ft. 10 Science-backed Tips. Retrieved from https://haptivate.co.uk/blog/top-tips-for-getting-through-blue-monday/

(2) Days Of The Year. (n.d.). Blue Monday (January 20th, 2025). Retrieved from https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/blue-monday/

(3) National Today. (n.d.). BLUE MONDAY – January 20, 2025. Retrieved from https://nationaltoday.com/blue-monday/

(4) Awareness Days UK. (n.d.). Blue Monday – Awareness Days UK. Retrieved from https://awareness-days.co.uk/awareness-day/blue-monday/2025-01-20/

(5) There is a Day for That. (n.d.). Blue Monday around the world in 2025. Retrieved from https://www.thereisadayforthat.com/holidays/blue-monday