Is Blue Monday Really Blue?

Jan 16, 2026

The third Monday in January is often referred to as “Blue Monday,” supposedly the most depressing day of the year. The term was coined in 2005 by a psychologist named Cliff Arnall and was later used as part of a marketing campaign by a travel company to sell winter vacations.

While the idea was created for marketing purposes, it did come with a so-called “scientific formula” that factored in cold weather, holiday debt, broken New Year’s resolutions, and the lack of daylight hours. Scientific formula or not, there’s really no reason the third Monday in January has to be blue.

That said, January can be a tough month. It often feels like the month that never ends. After time off over the holidays, getting back into a regular routine can be challenging. Christmas bills start arriving, the fatigue from all the holiday busyness sets in, and here in the South Cariboo, the snow is still firmly on the ground.

But January isn’t all doom and gloom, there are actually some very real things we can hold onto and look forward to.

The days are already getting longer. By mid-month, we gain a few extra minutes of daylight, and by the end of January, our days are approximately 40–50 minutes longer. From January 31 to May Long Weekend, there are only three months and fifteen days to go — not close, but close enough to count.

January also lets us enjoy the beauty of winter without the holiday hustle and bustle. For sports fans, the NFL playoffs and the Super Bowl are right around the corner. There’s also the gift of winter stillness; this is the one month where slowing down and hibernating is socially acceptable. Cozy is productive now. And for the numbers lovers among us, tax prep season has arrived. What better time to organize receipts and get ahead of future stress?

All of that to say, as dark and long as January can feel, there are good things to hold onto. If you’re struggling to see the light at the end of the winter tunnel, I’ve put together a list of a few simple things that might lift your spirits and bring a bit of joy back into this long winter month.

Games Night
Game lover or not, getting together with friends or family for a game night is a fantastic way to boost your mental wellbeing. Being social can lift your mood, get you laughing, and help you feel connected. Interacting with others is a powerful winter mood booster, it gets your serotonin flowing and those “happy hormones” moving.

Don’t have friends or family nearby? Try putting the word out into the community and connect with other game lovers to start your own group. Who knows? It might even become a regular tradition.

Cooking Night
The kitchen is a natural gathering space, a place to talk, connect, and nourish both body and soul. Hosting a cooking night with friends can be a fun way to try new recipes and techniques. Pick a meal, have each person bring one ingredient, choose a host, and cook away. Not only will you enjoy a delicious meal, but you’ll also enjoy the laughter and conversation that comes with it.

Self-Care Day
If your social battery is drained and being around others just isn’t in the cards this month, why not plan a self-care day or night? Take the time to focus on yourself, no guilt allowed. I talk about self-care often because I firmly believe it’s one of the most important ways to support our mental wellbeing. Whether it’s a full day or just an evening, do things that bring you calm, joy, and relaxation. Make it yours.

January can feel long, but it does end. February will be here before you know it, and soon enough, spring will be knocking at our doors. So why not take the time to enjoy the little things — or the big things — this month has to offer? Make some memories now that will last well beyond the winter.

Remember to be kind to yourself, practice self-care, and reach out for help if you need it.

Contact CMHA South Cariboo for mental health support at 250-395-4883. The office is open Monday to Friday from 9 am – 4 pm.

Call the Emergency Crisis Line 24 hours a day at 1-888-353-2273.