With Christmas having been and gone and two weeks into January, a common phrase you’ll hear in the UK is “The January Blues.” This refers to the sadness or low energy people feel at the start of the year. Even the third Monday in January is called “Blue Monday,” and, according to a marketing campaign, it’s the most depressing day of the year. None of this is caused by a medical condition as such, but more of an emotional dip many collectively feel. In this week’s blog, let’s take a look at why people experience these blues and what you can do about them.
But first…why the colour blue?
“January Blues” comes from the expression “feeling blue,” which means to feel sad. There are several historical and cultural reasons why the colour blue is linked to sadness, such as:
- Blues music: This music genre originated from African American cultures in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Musicians often explore themes of sadness and struggle, making the word blues closely linked to despair.
- Maritime traditions: Back in the day, when a ship lost its captain or crew member, they would fly a blue flag to honour them. The colour blue quickly came to represent sadness and mourning.
- Symbolism: While the colour blue can represent calm, it’s also associated with coldness and sadness, hence describing the low feeling in January perfectly; sad and cold.
What causes the January Blues?
Now, let’s look at some of the main causes in the UK, although many of these could also apply in other countries.
Post-holiday let down
This Christmas countdown begins in late November/early December. For more than a month, everything has been cheerful; glistening lights, colours, music, and a feeling of togetherness. When Christmas and New Year come and go, it’s back to reality, and some people can find this flat – especially if Christmas was a bit of a disappointment.
Phrasal verb vibes: Let Down
This means to disappoint someone or feel disappointed by something.
Financial strain
With overspending at its height over Christmas, many are left with little money to stretch over January. Many companies also pay their employees their January wages just before Christmas, meaning there is little left for the actual month.
The weather
January is the coldest month in the UK, with frosty mornings, grey skies, and early sunsets. Such darkness can impact people’s mood and energy levels. There is even a specific type of depression called SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) that some people get in the darker months due to their lack of vitamin D intake.
New Year’s resolution guilt
With the new year being the time we want to change and be the best versions of ourselves, many people set unrealistic goals. The guilt and frustration people then feel when they break their resolutions can further add to the January Blues. If that’s the case for you, try not to feel too bad. Research reveals that by the second week of February, 80% of New Year’s resolutions are already broken – so it’s not just you!
Back to work blues
Many of us take vacation over Christmas, usually between Christmas Eve and January 1st. It’s interesting how quickly you can get used to (and enjoy) not having to go to work. This makes going back to work all the harder come January. Likewise, many people throughout December work less hard and postpone things to the new year, meaning when they come back in January, there’s lots of work to catch up on.
Phrasal verb vibes: Catch Up
This means to finish tasks or work that you have fallen behind on. In other contexts, it can also mean either talking to someone to update them or reaching the same level as someone. For example:
- I had a catch up with my boss today about the new project.
- She ran faster to catch up with the leader of the race.
How to combat the January Blues?
It’s not all doom and gloom and there are some great ways to not only fight off the January blues but also enjoy, yes enjoy, the month. Why not try:
- Embracing the hibernation: with the weather cold and days short, it’s no fun to be outdoors. Instead, turn inwards and embrace the indoors. Enjoy cosy nights spent cuddled up with tea and watching a good series. Or take some more time to focus on yourself; journaling, meditation, home workouts, or a nice pamper session.
- Connecting with others: A bit of face-to-face interaction can go a long way when you’re feeling blue. Avoid the temptation to shift all your socialising online when trying to avoid the cold weather and actively meet up with loved ones. You can still indulge in all the cosiness by inviting them over for a games night or a nice home-cooked meal. How about experimenting with HIA’s very own Shepherd’s Pie recipe? I’m sure your friends will love it.
- Getting out in nature: Okay, I know I said no one wants to be outside but even in the cold months it’s important to soak up a bit of Mother Nature. You don’t have to spend hours outside or do any crazy extreme sports, but just a fifteen-minute walk in your local park can do wonders for your mood – just be sure to wrap up warm!
- Staying active: When you exercise, your body releases endorphins, a series of hormones that make you feel a-mazing! Although it’s tempting to abandon all physical movement in January, remind yourself how good you’ll feel after. Exercises like yoga particularly, which includes mindfulness and breathwork are excellent for this time of the year. If the cold and dark make it difficult to get to a gym, you can find an abundance of free workouts online! And remember – no one’s stopping you from working out in your pyjamas and fluffy socks!
- Play a winter-sun getaway: if your budget allows it, getting away for a week or even a weekend to go somewhere with sunshine and blue skies can be just the thing you need to get through January. And where else better to go than here in sunny Tenerife? There’s a reason January is such a popular time for holiday-makers to visit.
Idiom of the Week: Doom and Gloom
This refers to a pessimistic or hopeless outlook, where everything seems negative or bleak. For example, “the news today was full of doom and gloom about the economy.”
Remember…Spring is coming!
Whether you’re in a cold or hot country, January can always feel a little bit flat. It’s important to remember this feeling won’t last forever and Spring is just around the corner! So let’s embrace the January Blues, or Cuesta de Enero in Spain, and get through it together!
Written by Marina McAleese, Teacher at The Harrogate International Academy
