Blue Monday typically falls on the third Monday of January. Originally created for marketing purposes to encourage holiday bookings, the term has now become a part of everyday language, especially in the Northern Hemisphere. The term was coined in 2004 by psychologist Cliff Arnall, following a request from the travel company Sky Travel for a ‘scientific formula’ to explain the January blues.
The “Blue Monday” formula created by Cliff Arnall is a combination of several factors that supposedly contribute to feeling low on this particular day.
Here’s a breakdown of the elements considered:
- W: Weather
- D: Debt (the amount of money owed)
- d: Monthly salary
- T: Time since Christmas
- Q: Time since failing our New Year’s resolutions
- M: Low motivational levels
- Na: The need to take action
This formula suggests that higher amounts of debt and time passed since Christmas, combined with the inevitable failure of New Year’s resolutions, lead to low motivation and the need to take action, all amplified by typically gloomy January weather.
Despite the attention it gets, the formula isn’t based on rigorous scientific research and has been widely criticised by mental health professionals. The idea is more about raising awareness and encouraging conversations around mental well-being. If you’re looking for ways to navigate through those January blues, it’s important to focus on self-care, realistic goals, and finding support.
