“Blue Monday”is a myth – make time for “Brew Monday” and catch-up with the people you care about
January can be a difficult month for many, with the end of the festive season, shorter days and colder weather, and post-December bills arriving.
The term “Blue Monday” which refers to the third Monday of the month, has been widely popularised as the most depressing day of the year.
But it is nothing more than “crap pseudo-science” created by a travel company to sell holidays, according to consumer champion Martin Lewis.
To combat the negative connotations associated with this day, Samaritans has created “Brew Monday,” which encourages people to make time for a cup of tea or coffee and a catch-up with a friend, relative or colleague.
The charity is reminding people that it is important to connect with loved ones, no matter what day of the week it is.
Samaritans also emphasise that there is no such thing as “the most difficult day of the year,” as our good days and bad days cannot be determined by a calendar.
Over the past decade, many have bought into the idea of “Blue Monday” despite there being no scientific evidence to support it.
It is important to note that while some commercial bodies have capitalised on this concept, mental health professionals have long criticised it.
#BlueMonday is a piece of crap pseudo science originally part of a travel company’s press release to sell holidays.
Can we all try to avoid rewarding marketeers, using this term, which tries to sell goods by parasiting on the back of real mental health campaigns.
— Martin Lewis (@MartinSLewis) January 16, 2023
According to Senior Lecturer in Psychology, University of East London, Blue Monday can become a self-fulfilling prophecy.
She said: “When we hold some expectations about an event, people, or ourselves, we start behaving in a way that matches our expectations.”
“For example, thinking it is the most depressing day of the year, we might start paying more attention to the negative events around us – the boss who doesn’t listen to our good advice, or the partner who isn’t doing enough around the house. ”
“Suddenly, we become so focused on thinking about what is bad about our lives that we become more tired, decide not to go to the gym after work and soon realise that our prophecy of the most depressive day of the year came true. ”
Jolanta said: “Since Blue Monday is a hoax that may affect our thinking and emotions so much, let’s turn it into Happy Monday and reap the benefits.”
“Instead of searching for all that is going badly on the day, be mindful of all the good things that happen around you.”
Samaritans say it’s time to “stop this myth” about Monday being ‘blue’ and instead start a conversation over a brew!
“Reach out and connect with family, friends, colleagues and loved ones.”
“We can always make time for a cuppa and a catch-up. It doesn’t matter if it’s a Monday morning or Saturday night, or if you’re drinking green tea, black coffee or orange juice. If you’re sharing a cuppa and listening, you’re doing it right.”
How to be a good listener
Once someone starts to share how they’re feeling, it’s important to listen.
“This could mean not offering advice, not trying to identify what they’re going through with your own experiences and not trying to solve their problems.” The charity says.
For more suggestions about how to be a good listener, take a look at Samaritans SHUSH active listening tips and little tips to help someone open up.
- Need support? Call 116 123 to speak to a Samaritan
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