Blue Monday: This is the most depressing day of the year

Blue Monday falls on January 20th this year. What is this day all about and what can you do against an oppressive winter mood?

“Blue Monday” goes back to the British psychologist Cliff Arnall. In 2005, he published a formula for calculating the most depressing day of the year for the first time in a press release from a British travel company. The hope was that this would be able to convince people to book trips.

“Blue Monday”: That’s the background

There are various factors that influence the Blue Monday formula: The most depressing day has to be a Monday because many people are not very motivated at the beginning of a new week. By mid-January, the magic of the Christmas season is gone and the good resolutions are broken again. The salary will only arrive in a few days at the end of the month. And the gray weather with its low temperatures also puts a damper on the mood. According to the calculation, all of these factors apply to January 20, 2025.

The fact that these variables can lead to a depressive mood or even depression is unscientific, because mental illnesses cannot be calculated or predicted.

Regardless of Arnall’s reasoning, there is a kernel of truth to the whole thing. Especially in winter, we feel tired and unbalanced more quickly when it gets light late and dark early. Our hormones have an influence on this.

Hormones affect mood

Since the sun shines far less in Central Europe in the winter months than in summer, many people suffer from a vitamin D deficiency. This not only affects your mood, but also your susceptibility to illness.

Other factors influencing mood are the hormones serotonin and melatonin: The happiness hormone serotonin is converted during the production of melatonin, so that its content is lower. Melatonin, on the other hand, is released in the dark and usually makes you sleepy in the evening. However, since the light is not very intense in winter, more melatonin is produced during the day. This makes you weak and sleepy. This also includes other signs such as:

• want to sleep a lot
• don’t feel any desire
• be unmotivated
• get stuck in your thoughts
• feel unbalanced

Counteract the “Blue Monday” mood

Even though Blue Monday is an unscientific concept, it does bring attention to a widespread issue. To a certain extent, you can take action yourself and do something about the winter blues. However, these tips are not a panacea and are certainly not sufficient if you suffer from depression. If you suspect this or even know it already, then seek psychological support. In this case, the following tips can only be an addition to the treatment.

Do something good for yourself

How about consciously treating yourself to something good every day during the gray months? This could be, for example, your favorite meal that you prepare with fresh ingredients, a special type of coffee or a foot massage.

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Move

Get some fresh air in daylight and take a long walk. If you can motivate yourself, do some exercise. This helps you to work out and stimulates the release of hormones.

Maintain your social contacts

Meet people who are good for you and who you enjoy spending time with. This can help you think differently and think positively.

Think about the future

On gray days, take the time to plan your next vacation. Borrow travel guides from the library or research an interesting and sustainable travel destination online. You can also think about whether you want to start a new hobby and find out more about it.

Design your apartment

Rearrange your apartment and think about how you can make it even more comfortable. Printing out and hanging a few photos, painting a wall or other DIY activities not only distract you for a long time, but also make your home a place where you feel even more comfortable.

For further reading on Techzle\.com:

• Self-motivation: With these methods you can overcome your inner weaker self
• Sleep rhythm: tips for healthy sleep
• Overcoming depression: This is how you can help those affected

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