Every January the media revives a curious idea: that one Monday in mid-month is the “most depressing day of the year” — Blue Monday. In 2026, this date falls on 19 January, but despite the catchy name and frequent headlines it’s important to understand what’s myth and what’s real about it?
Why Blue Monday Isn’t Real and Why That Matters
Blue Monday was first coined in 2005 as part of a marketing campaign by a travel company, which claimed to have worked out a formula combining weather, debt, time since Christmas and failed New Year’s resolutions to identify the gloomiest day.
However, mental health charities and experts have repeatedly pointed out that:
There’s no scientific evidence that one specific Monday is the “most depressing”. Depression and low mood don’t peak nationally on a single calendar date.
The original formula was not peer-reviewed or published in recognised scientific research, it was essentially a PR stunt.
Associating real clinical depression with a fun-sounding label like “Blue Monday” risks trivialising serious mental health conditions that people experience year-round.
That said, the wider pattern many people feel in winter; slower motivation, reduced energy, and gloomy weather, is real, and worth talking about in everyday, supportive ways rather than through a single “sad” label.
Winter Blues vs Seasonal Affective Disorder
While Blue Monday itself is a myth, winter can genuinely affect mood. Many people experience a milder version of seasonal mood changes, sometimes called the winter blues, linked to shorter daylight, disrupted sleep cycles and changes in activity levels.
A small number of people develop Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a recognised pattern of low mood in autumn and winter. It’s not tied to a day on the calendar, but to the season itself, and there are effective ways to manage it, such as light therapy and lifestyle adjustments.
Look Forward — The Power of Positive Planning
One simple, evidence based way to support your wellbeing through winter is to look forward to something enjoyable. Anticipation of positive experiences gives your brain a psychological boost. It releases dopamine (a “feel-good” neurotransmitter) and provides motivation during darker, colder months. Having plans, whether it’s a social outing, a class you enjoy, booking a live gig, or scheduling time outdoors, gives you something to anchor to when days feel long.
This isn’t just feel-good psychology. Research shows that goal-oriented, approach-based activities (focusing on what you want to do, not what you want to avoid) are more likely to improve mood and sustain motivation than vague resolutions.
Sea Swimming with Solent Sea Swimmers — Beyond the Myth
One great example of planning positive winter-time experiences is joining community activities that bring movement, nature and connection together — like the Solent Sea Swimmers
Who Are The Solent Sea Swimmers?
Solent Sea Swimmers is a welcoming open water swimming community based around Lee-on-the-Solent and the Solent coastline. They host free guided swims (summer Monday evenings and winter Saturday afternoons), led by qualified open water coaches. A great way to stay active and connected throughout the year.
Why Sea Swimming Is Good for You
Sea swimming and cold water immersion in general has many recognised benefits for physical and mental wellbeing:
1. Boosts mood and reduces stress: Cold water swims can release endorphins and other “feel-good” neurotransmitters, helping you feel uplifted and more positive.
2. Supports resilience and mental clarity: The intense focus required in cold water brings your attention into the present moment, much like a meditation, which can reduce anxiety and help clear your thoughts.
3. Builds community and connection: Swimming with others not only makes the activity safer — it also adds a social element. Shared experiences foster connection, encouragement and belonging, which are powerful for mental health.
4. Physical health boosts: From improved circulation to enhanced fitness and even immune system support, open water swimming is an invigorating way to stay healthy in winter.
5. More Than a Hobby — A Supportive Social Space
Groups like Solent Sea Swimmers aren’t just about swimming — they’re about belonging. Research on cold water swim communities shows that social support, shared goals and regular meetups help participants stay motivated, maintain a healthy routine and feel less isolated.
For many people, these regular communal dips become events to look forward to, a very effective way to counteract winter stagnation and maintain wellbeing.
Reframing Blue Monday — Every Day Matters
Instead of letting the idea of Blue Monday dictate how you feel, it’s far more empowering to recognise that mental health is year-round, and that simple strategies, from anticipating enjoyable events to finding supportive communities like Solent Sea Swimmers, can make the bleakest months more bearable and even rewarding.
Whether you’re planning a swim in the Solent, booking a weekend escape, catching up with a friend, or simply setting a small personal goal for the week, looking forward to something can be one of the best antidotes to winter blues.
©Solent Swim School 2019 - 2026
Comments
Post a Comment