Reframing Blue Monday

Next Monday is “Blue Monday,” often labeled as the gloomiest day of the year. The festive sparkle has faded, the days are cold and dark, and many of us are grappling with financial pressure and abandoned resolutions. When paired with global uncertainties, it’s easy to understand why this day has earned such a bleak reputation.

But here’s the real story: Blue Monday is a myth. It was created by a travel company to sell holidays—not a scientific truth about our mental health. Life is far too rich and complex for our emotions to be condensed into a single “gloomiest day.”

That said, January can feel tough. If you’re feeling low right now, you are not alone, and there are steps you can take to find light in the darkness. Here are a few small ways to lift your spirits and make a positive shift: