January 19 will be Blue Monday. What is it?
It is considered the most depressing day of the year. It falls on the third Monday of the year.
Blue Monday falls during a period when, after bright winter holidays, people need to return to daily routine and work, and on average, half a year remains until vacation.
Also contributing are short daylight hours and, as is often the case in winter, lack of sun and seasonal depression.
The concept of «Blue Monday» was introduced by British psychologist Cliff Arnall in 2005.
He calculated the saddest date for European countries using a special formula that took into account factors such as bad weather, holidays that have passed, money spent on gifts, as well as debts remaining after Christmas and New Year holidays, and lack of money.
Of course, such an approach can be considered unscientific, but a fact is a fact.
According to psychologists, a proper sleep regimen, balanced nutrition, physical activity, walks in the fresh air, communication with family and friends, pets, listening to music, and other entertainment can help cope with depression and bad mood.
Later, the most optimistic day of the year was also calculated.
Logically, in the Northern Hemisphere, it falls around the 20‑th of June, when days are longest and there's maximum sun.