19/01/2026
Blue Monday, often described as the “most depressing day of the year,” typically falls on the third Monday in January.
The idea is linked to a mix of factors: cold weather, short daylight hours, post-holiday financial pressure, and the distance from both Christmas and spring. While psychologists frequently point out that Blue Monday is not based on robust scientific evidence, the term has become culturally significant because it reflects something very real—many people do struggle with their mental health during this time of year.
January can amplify feelings of low mood, fatigue, and lack of motivation. Reduced sunlight can disrupt sleep patterns and affect serotonin levels, contributing to symptoms associated with seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
Added to this are social pressures around New Year’s resolutions and productivity, which can increase stress and self-criticism. Even if Blue Monday itself is symbolic, it highlights the importance of acknowledging how seasonal and societal factors can impact mental wellbeing.
Mindfulness can be a valuable tool for supporting our wellbeing and mental health through the darker, drearier months of winter. When feelings of sadness, loneliness or that season ennui arise, mindfulness encourages us to simply notice them, to accept them without judgment or the need to fix them.
Allowing that emotions are temporary and will pass can reduce the tendency to spiral into negative thought patterns, such as worrying about the future or dwelling on perceived failures. Mindfulness fosters greater self-compassion, reminding us that low moods are part of being human, not personal shortcomings. In a season often associated with endurance and waiting, mindfulness offers a way to meet ourselves where we are, with patience, awareness, and care.
