Turning the radiators up and putting the kettle on make up the perfect antidote to Blue Monday, according to research from HomeServe.
The study asked more than 2,000 Brits how they planned to combat Blue Monday, hailed by many as the most depressing day of the year, which this year falls on Monday, January 15. And it turns out that it really is the simple things in life that bring the most pleasure.
Almost a quarter of those asked (23%) identified a warm house and a hot cuppa as being the perfect way to combat the Blue Monday blues, with spending quality time with the other half coming a close second (22%).
Family time with children or grandchildren was seen as a good way to cope with the post-Christmas blues by 15% of the respondents while 12% sought solace on a relaxing dog walk.
Greg Reed, HomeServe Membership CEO, said: “We know the value of keeping some time to enjoy the simple things in life. A warm house, a chat over a cup of tea, enjoying quality time with our families or simply spending time away from the hustle and bustle of life by taking our dogs on a good, long walk can make all the difference when it comes to our personal happiness.
“It’s why our engineers work tirelessly all over the country to keep our customers’ homes heated and their lives moving. We are also capturing this spirit at our UK sites with ‘red Monday’ which sees our people throwing the blues aside to wear red and celebrate the positives of the New Year!”
Blue Monday is a name given to a day in January – typically the third Monday of the month – which is claimed to be the most depressing day of the year.
The concept was first publicised in 2005 by holiday company Sky Travel, which claimed to have calculated the date using an equation which took into account factors such as weather, debt and the amount of time passed since Christmas.
Other ways people are finding to lift their spirits and tackling the winter blues in the study included listening to music (12%), curling up under a blanket in front of the TV (11%), making home cooked meals (11%) or spending extra time under the duvet (11%). Getting down to the gym or out for some exercise was chosen by five% of respondents.
Across the generations, a warm house and a hot cup of tea or coffee was seen as the perfect remedy by the 45-64-year-old categories – but the 18-24-year-olds saw quality time with family and friends, going for dinner or drinks, and home cooked meals as more important.
“The split across the ages paints an interesting picture as it seems people are finding very different ways to lift their spirits after the joys of Christmas and New Year,” added Greg. “While the older age categories see the value of a warm house, younger people take comfort during the winter from spending time with those close to them.
“However you choose to combat Blue Monday, enjoying some of life’s simpler pleasures might just help lift your spirits!”
Respondents were asked to tick all the answers that applied to them when thinking about ways to beat the winter blues. The top ten were:
- 23% – A warm house and a hot cuppa
- 22% – Spending quality time with my other half
- 15% – Spending quality time with my children/grandchildren
- 13% – Spending quality time with other family members
- 12% – Taking the dog for a walk
- 12% – Spending time listening to music
- 11% – A blanket or PJs in front of the TV
- 11% – Taking time to make home cooked meals
- 11% – Extra time under the duvet
- 10% – Spending quality time out with my friends/Going for dinner and drinks
