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Wishing for longer days and warmer weather? It could be Blue Monday, the most down day of the year. Boost your mental well-being with no-cost resources.
Each year, the third Monday in January makes headlines. Why? It has the dubious distinction of being the saddest day of the year. And while there’s no scientific evidence to back that up, it’s hard to disagree. Between the seemingly endless cold weather, the lack of sunshine and the hefty post-holiday and heating bills, mid-January can be pretty bleak.
Blue Monday was dreamed up 20 years ago by a British travel company for an advertising campaign. That’s right—it began as a marketing ploy. But over time, Blue Monday has evolved into a conversation starter at a time of year when many people do feel low, sluggish and/or stressed.
That includes those who suffer from a type of depression called seasonal affective disorder (SAD). According to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto, SAD appears to be triggered by changes in the amount of sunlight.
If you’ve noticed symptoms like changes in appetite, poor sleep, loss of interest in people and activities, fatigue, irritability, difficulty concentrating, low self-esteem or other signs, see a physician. SAD treatments, such as light therapy, psychotherapy and medication, are available in Canada.
Some people also do other things to improve their confidence and, ultimately, their mood. Activities like learning a new skill, spending time with friends and starting an exercise routine can help. (Get tips on socializing affordably and working out for cheap.)
Keep reading for how you can improve your confidence with your finances.
In 2025, Blue Monday falls on Jan. 20. Feeling blue isn’t limited to just a single day, though. So, to help you get through this challenging time of year, we’ve rounded up several MoneySense articles about mental and financial well-being.
Search our directory of credentialled advisors providing financial and investing services across Canada.
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