What is Blue Monday and why is it ‘the most depressing day’ of the year?
by Sam Webb / Amelia Beltrao
AS the new year begins, the holiday excitement dies down and we return to normality, many experience the winter blues.
However, one particular day in January is dubbed ”the most depressing day of the year” – and here’s why.
What is Blue Monday?
Blue Monday is calculated using a series of factors in a formula, although it is not particularly scientific.
The factors used to base the date of Blue Monday include weather conditions and debt level. Other factors include the amount of time since Christmas, and the time it typically takes for people to begin failing their New Year resolutions, and generally lose motivation.
The first date declared was January 24, 2005, after Dr. Cliff Arnall, a tutor at Cardiff University’s Centre for Lifelong Learning, was asked to work out the most depressing day of the year.