Avoid the misery of Blue Monday, head to the local for a soft drink…
Forget January diets and no-booze pledges, because researchers have polled the nation and discovered as many as nine in ten Brits (90 percent) believe January can be joyful, while 75 percent don’t believe in Blue Monday. In fact, 60 percent of those polled said they plan to reclaim Blue Monday by booking a trip (24 percent), going to the pub (24 percent) or enjoying a long soak in the tub (19 percent).
Psychologist, Honey Langcaster-James:
“The whole idea of Blue Monday, with it supposedly being the most miserable day of the year, is not only lacking in any scientific validity, but, from a psychological point of view, it is also quite an unhelpful concept in general. This is because of the potentially negative effect it can have on people.”
Getting some exercise, (19 percent), getting into a gripping series (18 percent), Facetiming a friend (18 percent) and going on date nights (15 percent) also made the list of mood boosting activities for January.
The poll by GetYourGuide, found five (60 percent) of the 2,000 Brits surveyed said they would be going all out to have fun today (Blue Monday), as over a fifth (22 percent) of respondents say 2024 is going to be a year of experiences. Overall 87 percent of those polled said that making small tweaks and inexpensive plans in their cities can help beat the blues in January.
Global travel booking platform, GetYourGuide is calling time on the outdated notion of Blue Monday and is empowering Brits to have a January to remember, for all the right reasons, by offering over 1,800 tickets to 100 experiences across the UK.
GetYourGuide has partnered with celebrity psychologist, Honey Langcaster-James, who advocates doing whatever you can to find a little joy in life at any time of year, and explains the impact a concept like Blue Monday can have, and wants to encourage Brits to embrace the possibilities for joy in January:
Psychologist, Honey Langcaster-James:
“There is some truth to the fact that people do often feel a bit lower in general during the month of January, especially here in the UK, perhaps due to post-Christmas burnout or the cold wintry weather. The good news is though, with a little bit of effort, you can regain control of the so-called January blues.
“My top tip for January is to plan something positive to do, to give you something to focus on and look forward to, if/when you feel down. Enjoying positive new experiences at this time of year, when we’re thinking of new goals and resolutions and “newness’ in general, could help increase your overall sense of happiness and help you feel like other positive changes are on the horizon for the year ahead too!
TOP WAYS BRITS ARE RECLAIMING BLUE MONDAY
- Cook a nice meal 38%
- Read a book 37%
- Eat healthily 31%
- Book a holiday 29%
- Call a friend for a long chat 25%
- Go to the pub 24%
- Book a trip 24%
- Go to the cinema 24%
- Have a takeaway 21%
- Enjoy a long soak in the tub 19%
- Go on a hike 19%
- Get some exercise 19%
- Get into a gripping series 18%
- Book an exciting activity 18%
- Facetime a friend or relative 18%
- Go on a date night 15%
- Go to the theatre 14%
- Meditate 13%
- Treat yourself to an expensive coffee 12%
- Invite friends over for cocktails 11%
