You’ve likely heard of ‘Blue Monday.’ It falls on the third Monday each January and, as the story goes, it’s the “most depressing day of the year.” Allegedly. Because the truth is: it’s a complete fabrication.
‘Blue Monday’ was invented by a travel company in the early 2000s as a marketing stunt to boost winter bookings.
Yet, the idea persists, and many people find themselves dreading this particular day. Why? The answer lies in the fascinating world of neuroscience and the power of suggestion.
The neuroscience of expectation
Our brains are incredibly powerful. They constantly scan the environment, searching for information that confirms our existing beliefs. This is known as confirmation bias.
If we expect to feel sad on a particular day, we subconsciously start looking for evidence to support that expectation. We might dwell on negative thoughts, focus on the grey skies, or notice more instances of negativity around us. This creates a self-fulfilling prophecy: by expecting to feel down, we increase the likelihood of actually experiencing low mood.
The good news is, we can channel the power of our minds in the opposite direction too.
How to survive Blue Monday
In Solution Focused Hypnotherapy, we recognise the incredible power of the mind. Instead of dwelling on negativity, we can rewire our thought patterns to:
- Challenge negative beliefs. Recognise that ‘Blue Monday’ is a myth and that you have the power to choose how you feel.
- Focus on positive intentions. Shift your attention towards your aspirations for the New Year and the beautiful possibilities that lie ahead.
- Cultivate gratitude. Appreciate the present moment, the beauty of the winter season, and the loving connections in your life.
- Engage in activities that bring you joy. Spend time in nature, connect with loved ones, pursue a hobby, or simply enjoy a cup of tea and a good book.
The more you engage in positive actions & thoughts, the more good things you’ll notice in your life. And the better you will feel.
Reclaiming control of your mood
Don’t let some old marketing stunt dictate how you feel. You have the power to choose where you focus your attention. By understanding how your mind works, you can break free from self-fulfilling prophecies and cultivate a more positive mindset.
If you are feeling stressed, anxious or low mood — regardless of the date — remember that you’re not alone. As a Clinical Hypnotherapist, I offer free consultations to explore how hypnotherapy can support you to overcome negative thought patterns, improve your mood, and achieve your goals for 2025.