The Origin of Blue Monday and Coping With Winter Blues

Every January, the same claim makes the rounds online. Blue Monday is supposedly the saddest day of the year. It sounds official, it feels relatable, and it shows up right when many people are running low on energy after the holidays.

But Blue Monday is not backed by science. The term came from a marketing campaign, and the idea of a “formula” for the worst day of the year has been widely debunked. Still, the way people feel in winter can be very real. Shorter days, less sunlight, disrupted sleep, and fewer social activities can all affect mood and motivation.

For some people, those changes look like the winter blues. For others, they can signal Seasonal Affective Disorder, also known as SAD, which is a form of depression connected to seasonal shifts. The good news is that you cannot control the weather, but you can control your winter habits. Small changes to light exposure, routines, and mindset can make the season feel more manageable and even meaningful.

What Is Blue Monday?

Blue Monday refers to the third Monday in January and was first introduced by Cliff Arnall, a psychologist and lecturer at the University of Cardiff. The term was created as part of a marketing campaign for a British travel agency to encourage people to book winter vacations.