Blue Monday, traditionally set for the third Monday in January (in 2025 it will fall on January 20), is commonly labeled as the saddest day of the year.
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This name originated in 2005 thanks to the initiative of the English psychologist Cliff Arnall, who developed a mathematical formula, considered scientific, to calculate the date.
The alleged “formula” and its criticisms
Arnall argued that several factors contributed to making this day particularly depressing, including:
– Weather conditions: the cold, the little sunlight and the grey sky typical of the winter period.
– Post-Christmas Debt: Holiday spending leaves many people on a tight budget.
– Failed resolutions: The frustration of not keeping your New Year’s promises.
– Holiday nostalgia: the end of the holiday season and the return to the daily routine.
However, Arnall's formula has been widely criticized by the scientific community, which considers it to be unfounded pseudoscience. There is no scientific basis to support the validity of this calculation.
Behind Blue Monday: A Publicity Stunt
The truth is that Arnall was commissioned by Sky Travel, a travel agency, to create this “day” with the aim of promoting sales of winter holidays by presenting an “escape” from the supposed blues.
Blue Monday Today: A Cultural Phenomenon
Despite its commercial origins and lack of scientific validity, Blue Monday has become a cultural and media phenomenon. The day is frequently used as a starting point for marketing campaigns, mental health awareness initiatives, and discussions on social media.
The meaning of the name “Blue Monday” comes from the combination of two symbolic elements: “Blue”, a colour traditionally associated with sadness, and “Monday”, a day often perceived as the most difficult of the week, marking the return to routine after the weekend.
Article published on 20 January 2025 - 07:48
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