The news is awash with stories about so-called ‘Blue Monday’ – the most miserable day of the year, according to some. Does it really mean anything?
Here at Ipswich Building Society we happen to think not!
Most people have probably heard of ‘Blue Monday’, but not everyone knows where it first came from. Blue Monday was actually first introduced as a marketing device in 2005 by a travel company who claimed they had discovered the ‘scientific formula’ for working out the worst day of the year (which is obviously a load of rubbish.) Not to mention the fact that it only really works if you live in the Northern Hemisphere, on account of the cold and miserable weather.
Let’s not forget that this time of year is difficult for many people, including those still dealing with a post-Christmas financial hangover or anyone suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a form of depression brought on through a lack of Vitamin D due to the cold, dark and sunless days of the winter months. It all seems rather selfish to be grumbling about the ‘most miserable day’ when there are people out there genuinely struggling every day and who might be looking for help or trying to take their mind off things.
Instead of spending a whole day reflecting on what makes us all miserable, why not celebrate being here and count the things we can look forward to over the next few weeks?
Reasons to be positive in January
Time to swtich off
January tends to be a time where not much is going on following the rush of the festive period – so why not take advantage of it and spend a bit of time relaxing? It’s a perfect opportunity to curl up under a blanket with a cuppa and binge on one of your favourite TV shows!
Summer is on its way
The days are already 38 minutes longer than they were at the start of January – and by this time next month we’ll start to see the first vestiges of daylight returning to our evening. For those that enjoy it at least, summer will be here before you know it!
A great time to bargain hunt
If you haven’t been left financially ruined by Christmas, Janaury can be a great time to grab a bargain – whether in restaurants, at the cinema or in the January sales.
This time of year in particular, it’s important to be mindful of those who have been adversely affected by the winter, to care about those in need and continue to take pleasure in the things we enjoy.
