Blue Monday

What is Blue Monday?

It is calculated using a series of factors in a (not particularly scientific) mathematical formula.

The factors are: the weather, debt level (specifically, the difference between debt and our ability to pay), the amount of time since Christmas, time since failing our New Year’s resolutions, low motivational levels and the feeling of a need to take charge of the situation.

It was originally conceived by a PR company but has now become an annual event.

The date is generally reported as falling on the third Monday in January, but can also be on the second or fourth Monday, or even the Monday of the last week of January.

The first one was January 24 in 2005.

What can you do about Blue Monday?

Exercise, starting an activity you’ve wanted to do for ages and enjoying time with friends and family all help to banish the winter blues.

Personal trainer Andy Ward advises that exercise is a great tonic to feeling down, and it’s best to avoid binge-eating and shunning your mates.

He said: “Squeeze in 30 minutes of exercise, it could be a fast walk, a light jog, a relaxing swim, or an intense HIIT class – just move for thirty minutes to feel the benefits.

“There are dozens of different fitness classes available. January is a great time to take up new hobbies and meet new people.”

Source: The Sun