Got the January blues? We've rounded up some expert tips and brilliant buys to help chase them away and boost your mood.
Every year, the third Monday in January is dubbed Blue Monday - it's supposedly 'the most depressing day of the year'. And it's certainly true that things can feel a bit flat post-Chritsmas - it's cold and dark outside and payday feels like a very long way away - and parents in particular might be struggling to beat the winter blues. Now that the magic of Christmas is long gone, it's a return to the old routine and coping with dark mornings on the school run feels increasingly difficult. Plus, the excess of the festive season might leave you looking in the mirror and wondering how to look less tired.
Well, the good news is that Blue Monday isn't even real. It was devised by a psychologist in 2004 as part of a marketing campaign for a travel company, and has since been revealed to have little substance behind it. That said, most of us are probably feeling like we need a pick-me-up to make the cold and gloom more bearable, which is why we've asked the experts for their top tips on beating the January blues. Plus, our Consumer Editor, Heidi Scrimgeour has tracked down some brilliant buys to help you boost your mood.
What is Blue Monday and when is it?
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Blue Monday falls on the third Monday in January, and in 2024 the date of Blue Monday is January 15. It's is so-called because it's apparently the most depressing day of the year - except it's not because it's not even a real thing. A travel company dreamt up the concept of Blue Monday back in 2005 as a marketing gimmick.
Nonetheless, the first month of the year is typically a cold and miserable time. But, thankfully, Blue Monday has increasingly become linked with initiatives to boost mental wellness in recent years, encouraging people to make it a day to focus on ways to lift their spirits - and those of the people they love.
Try these tips and shop our mood-boosting buys to turn Blue Monday into a Happy Monday.
Blue Monday expert tips and best buys
Seize the day(light)
It's well-documented that daylight is good for your mental health. A walk outside can get endorphins flowing, lifting your mood and even giving your immunity a boost - good news, given all the coughs and colds doing the rounds at present.
"It might seem simple, but getting outside during the daylight is a proven method of improving mood during the winter, as it regulates our hormones, such as melatonin, as well as releasing endorphins which boost mood," says Dr. Eleni Maria Liaka of Vie Aesthetics.
If you like to feel productive on your daily walk, she recommends listening to audiobooks - try Audible for a free trial. if getting outside during daylight hours is a challenge, Dr. Eleni Maria Liaka recommends trying a SAD lamp to combat the January blues. "Evidence has shown that using a SAD lamp for 1-2 hours in the morning can treat or prevent SAD, as it mimics bright daylight, and it can be used in the background whilst you read or work," she says.
Practice positivity
It's well established that practices like positive thinking and daily gratitude rituals can have a powerful effect on mood and wellbeing. One John Hopkins study found that people with a family history of heart disease who also had a positive outlook were one-third less likely to have a heart attack or other cardiovascular event within five to 25 years than those with a more negative outlook. That's all the evidence we need to power up our positivity and get journaling. Forget Blue Monday, we're all for reclaiming January as the best month of the year.
Snuggle up and get cosy
"Thanks to the current cost of living crisis, many of us are thinking twice about turning on the heating, leaving us feeling colder and more exposed than in previous years," says Dr Eleni Maria Liaka. "One invaluable item of clothing I’ve invested in is a blanket hoodie, which can be worn around the house and doubles as a cozy blanket."
She's not wrong. Before Christmas, I made sure the whole family, including the kids, got kitted out with blanket hoodies and they've been worth every single penny it cost. I haven't caught anyone trying to sneak the heating on since!
Breathe away the blues
Did you know that something as simple as uplifting, energising essential oils with stress-busting ingredients can help lift your spirits?
“For those looking for a natural anxiety remedy, studies have shown that the simple act of inhaling an essential oil can elicit a change in mood and can alleviate symptoms of stress such as shortness of breath, digestion issues, and changes to our sleep pattern,” says aromatherapy expert, Jo Kellett, on behalf of Tisserand Aromatherapy. "Citrus essential oils are well known for lifting your mood and making you think of sunshine and happiness. With the addition of nutmeg, which brings balance into your day, you have a wonderful combination of essential oils that will encourage happiness.”
Spoil someone you love
There's lots of evidence to show that focusing your energy and attention on others can lift your mood and help you feel more positive about life. In fact, work in the scientific journal Emotion found that as well as boosting mood, gift giving can make people feel less lonely too.
Whether you sign up for some volunteering, befriend an elderly neighbour or just send a thoughtful gift to someone who's struggling, choosing to spoil someone else is a great way to beat the blues - all year round.
Boost your immunity
It's natural to feel a bit down in the dumps if you've been unwell, as many of us have over recent weeks thanks to all those nasty winter bugs. But health is wealth, as the saying goes, so take some time to invest in your physical wellbeing this month. Set a reminder to take your vitamins, fill the fridge with healthy food that makes you happy, or make time to see your GP for a health check if you're really feeling low or run down.
Create a simple wellness ritual
There's nothing quite like a brew to warm you up and lift your spirits, so try creating a tea or coffee station in your kitchen and turn making a cuppa into a wellness ritual! You don't need to spend any money since you're likely to have all the bits you need - simply organise your space so it feels a bit special instead of just throwing a tea bag in a mug. Break out the teapot and, if your budget allows, treat yourself to a cheery new mug to mark your mood-boosting approach to your tea break.
Try a holistic approach
According to research, 11.3 million UK citizens would choose holistic remedies to treat their mental health over prescription medication. CBD seems set to continue gaining popularity this year with its reported health benefits including improved well-being, better sleep, pain management, and reduced anxiety. One scientific study showed that 79.2% of patients experienced improved anxiety after a month of CBD treatment. Worth a try?
Reflect on happy memories
Compile all your cherished memories from the last year in one book and spend some time reminiscing on all of the wonderful occasions, events, and milestones you've enjoyed – a sure way to boost your mood this January. “Our photos are incredibly powerful as they hold the key to our treasured memories," agree the photo experts at Cewe.
"When we see them, they have the power to transport us back to exact moments and evoke feelings associated with those times. These instant boosts release endorphins that can be truly beneficial for our well-being, making us feel happy," they add. "If you’re feeling slightly deflated this new year, there is no better way to boost your mood than by looking back at your photos. You’ll feel an immediate sense of warmth and happiness with each snap as you’re reminded of a treasured memory you share with people you love.”
Brighten up your look
When the January blues take hold it can be tempting to hide from the world and hibernate. Instead, try adding more colour to your outfit or make-up. A bold pop of colour - whether that's a bright scarf or a a new shade of lippy - can really help to brighten up your morning routine and lift your spirits.
Senior Beauty Editor Fiona McKim previously told us, "Bold lipstick is great for hangover days, when you’re knackered or in a rush and need to appear to have made an effort when all you’ve really done is scribble one product on. It’s a little more high maintenance than, say, a smoky eye once it’s on but the effort to impact ratio is still unbeatable."
Eat your way to happiness
It's tempting to rely on the quick fix that junk food can give when we're feeling blue, but healthy tweaks to your daily diet can do wonders for your mood and well-being.
"Follow NHS guidance to maintain a healthy diet high in fruits, veg, wholegrain fibre, protein, and healthy fats," advises Dr. Eleni Maria Liaka of Vie Aesthetics. "And although no supplement will ever replace real fruit, vegetables, and pulses, a greens powder may help on the days you fall short, helping to boost your mineral, vitamin, and antioxidant intake for the day."
Drink to happiness
Halfway through Dry January, the US trend for ‘euphoric drinks’ that was made popular by the likes of Katy Perry and Bella Hadid has begun to make waves in the UK. With data from Statista reporting that 15 percent of Brits chose to swap a tipple for a non-alcoholic alternative in January 2023, and younger generations choosing to reduce their alcohol consumption, perhaps it's time to pour yourself a plant-based mood booster.
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