Blue Monday 2026 Sparks Wellness Push Across UK

It’s that time of year again: Blue Monday has arrived, bringing with it a wave of headlines, wellness tips, and—let’s face it—a fair bit of collective sighing. Falling on the third Monday of January, which is January 19 in 2026, Blue Monday has earned a reputation as the “most depressing day of the year.” But is this day really as gloomy as it sounds, or is there more to the story?

According to BBC and other major outlets, Blue Monday’s origins are less scientific and more rooted in clever marketing. The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) points out that the phrase was coined by a travel company around 2005, aiming to boost vacation bookings during a typically slow period. As CAMH explains, “The folklore of calling the day Blue Monday came from a travel company, which encouraged people to take a holiday vacation during a normally quiet travel period.” Despite its dubious beginnings, the concept stuck—perhaps because it resonated with a truth many people feel during the long, cold stretch of January.

What’s behind the collective low mood? Experts interviewed by Metroland Media and other outlets point to a perfect storm of factors: dwindling daylight, chilly nights, the post-holiday letdown, and the arrival of credit card bills from December’s festivities. “Those warm and fuzzy memories of the holidays—gone. The New Year’s resolutions made with such earnest determination—broken,” CAMH notes. Psychologist Taslim Alani-Verjee adds, “There is a lot that’s hard personally that we haven’t walked around with for very long. That can make recent years feel a lot harder.”

While the science behind Blue Monday as the “saddest day” is shaky at best, the challenges of this time of year are very real for many. In the UK alone, around two million people experience symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) each year, and one in five say they feel low during the winter months, according to the NHS. The combination of environmental, financial, and social pressures can leave even the most optimistic among us feeling a bit deflated.

But not all hope is lost! If you’re feeling the weight of January, experts suggest a range of strategies to help lift your mood. One unexpected remedy is turning to your sense of smell. As reported by Evoke and echoed by FilmoGaz, fragrance sales see an unusual spike each January. Jonny Webber, a fragrance expert at PerfumeDirect, explains why: “Smell is the only sense directly linked to the limbic system, the part of the brain responsible for emotion and memory. That’s why certain scents can instantly lift your mood, calm anxiety, or sharpen focus.” He adds, “When specific aromas are inhaled, they can trigger hormonal responses that influence stress levels, alertness and relaxation. It’s not just psychological—it’s biological.”

So, which scents are best for banishing the blues? Mood-mapping studies cited by Webber consistently rank citrus notes like grapefruit, lemon, and orange as “happy” and stimulating. Softer notes like vanilla and jasmine, on the other hand, are linked to calm, comfort, and emotional warmth—just what many people crave in the bleakness of January. According to Webber, “We see it every January. Sales of what we call ‘happy fragrances’ are consistently higher than at other points in the year. People are looking for small, accessible ways to lift their mood and feel more like themselves again.”

Of course, scent isn’t the only way to combat the January doldrums. CAMH psychologist Katy Kamkar recommends focusing on daily meaningful activities: “Getting proper sleep, maintaining a healthy diet, being physically active, setting up a budget to manage your spending habits—these are all practical, achievable goals that can make you feel more balanced.” The organization encourages everyone to get outside for some daylight, exercise regularly, and eat well, even if the couch and a cozy blanket seem more appealing.

For those looking to embrace winter rather than hide from it, psychologist Alani-Verjee suggests trying new outdoor activities like skating, skiing, snowshoeing, curling, or tobogganing. “That can shift our attitude during this period of time,” she says. And if braving the cold isn’t your style, any physical activity—dancing indoors, yoga stretches, or even walking on your tiptoes to the bathroom—can help boost your mood.

Financial stress is another common theme this time of year, as holiday bills come due and many people are still waiting for their next payday. Honest conversations with friends about spending limits, or opting for low-cost social activities like movie nights at home, can help ease the pressure, according to Alani-Verjee.

Recognizing that the workplace can be a major source of stress, some organizations are stepping up to support mental health. On January 18, 2026, International Workplace launched a free IOSH Managing Occupational Health and Wellbeing certificate course for line managers in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across England. The program, fully funded by the Department for Work and Pensions and the Department for Health & Social Care, is available until March 31, 2026. It’s part of the government’s “Keep Britain Working” initiative, aiming to improve workplace health, wellbeing, and productivity. The course is offered through self-paced online learning, virtual classrooms, or face-to-face sessions at regional venues. The goal? To equip managers with the skills and confidence to support employee wellbeing and foster a positive workplace culture.

With all these options, it’s clear that there’s no single solution for beating the January blues. As Alani-Verjee wisely puts it, “I think part of it is being gentle with ourselves, in recognizing this is a hard time of year. We don’t have to force ourselves to feel any different.” For those struggling with unfulfilled New Year’s resolutions, she suggests re-evaluating what’s truly important and reclaiming a sense of hope and optimism.

So, whether you’re spritzing a happy scent, bundling up for a winter walk, or simply giving yourself permission to take it easy, remember: Blue Monday may be a myth, but the feelings it represents are real. And with a little creativity and self-compassion, brighter days are just around the corner.