Post-Christmas cheer-ups…
A nationwide survey has revealed a whopping nine in ten Brits reject the notion that January is always depressing, while three quarters of those polled (77 percent) have a host of go-to ways to cheer themselves up post-Christmas.
According to the data, getting outside in the fresh air (52 percent), watching your favourite film (35 percent), long hot baths with bubbles (30 percent), Sunday roasts with all the trimmings (25 percent) and hot chocolate with cream and marshmallows (20 percent) are among the ways Brits like to cheer themselves up.
Indulging in a Netflix marathon (19 percent), slathering butter on hot crumpets (16 percent), re-reading your favourite book (15 percent), inviting friends over for dinner (15 percent), hitting the gym (14 percent) and sorting out cupboards and wardrobes (12 percent) also made the list of ways to beat the January blues.
As did hump day cocktails with friends (five percent) and ice skating (four percent), as 61 percent said small pleasurable moments are the key to beating winter blues, according to the study by Club Med.
One in four (25 percent) like to treat themselves to a winter break, with 82 percent saying the cold season is the perfect time for a holiday. 18 percent are planning to book a winter getaway in January, while 12 percent already have one in the diary. Over half (52 percent) of Brits claim they prefer to go on holiday in winter, with 46 percent saying they love escaping the rain when they go on a winter getaway.
It’s no surprise that one in six (14 percent) love going skiing and snowboarding, and with widespread snowfall providing a good start to the season across the Alps, Club Med saw last minute bookings in December for ski holidays in January and February 2025 rise by 24 percent.
Nicolas Bresch, Managing Director, UK, Ireland & Nordics at Club Med:
“The research shows that for Brits, January is the perfect time to think about a holiday, and we couldn’t agree more. Last year, we saw a 13 percent increase in bookings made during January, and with the festivities now behind us, we expect that it might once again be a popular time for families to boost their moods by looking ahead to trips for the coming year.
“For those Brits who love to go skiing to escape the winter blues, last minute bookings for January and February are up 24 per cent versus this time last year. We also saw a 30 per cent uplift on sun bookings made in December for January – March 2025, as customers look to escape the UK for a dose of winter sunshine instead.”
Two thirds (61 percent) of Brits have suffered from winter blues before, with half (53 percent) admitting they are struggling more now than in previous years. As a result one in four (27 percent) say it takes them a few months to get into the year, while a further 27 percent thank their family and friends for getting them through the winter months.
25 ways the UK beats winter blues
- Getting outside in the fresh air – 52%
- Spending time with family – 52%
- Watching your favourite film – 35%
- Long hot baths with bubbles – 30%
- Good coffee – 28%
- Having a change of scenery – 28%
- Cooking a Sunday roast with all the trimmings – 25%
- Booking a holiday – 25%
- Wearing cosy socks – 24%
- Ordering your favourite takeaway – 21%
- Snuggling under a blanket – 21%
- Hot chocolate with whipped cream and marshmallows – 20%
- Getting into bed with clean sheets – 20%
- Cuddling with your pet – 19%
- Indulging in a Netflix marathon – 19%
- A steaming hot cup of tea – 19%
- Going on a winter sun break – 18%
- A brisk walk around the park – 17%
- Hot buttered crumpets – 16%
- Dog walks on the beach – 15%
- Re-reading your favourite book – 15%
- Inviting friends over for dinner – 15%
- Treating yourself to a scented candle – 14%
- Hitting the gym – 14%
- Sorting out cupboards and wardrobes – 12%
