'January Blues’ is a social term used to denote the period after the festive seasons and the decline in mood that some people can experience around this time.  This year there is a day referred to as ‘Blue Monday’ on 15 January 2024.

January Blues can manifest with symptoms of low mood, sadness, lack of energy, motivation, anxiety and low libido.

The factors that may cause a decline in mood in January include:

  • Reduced daylight hours
  • Seasonal Affective Disorder
  • Financial worries following Christmas
  • A challenging holiday period due to loss, loneliness or estrangement
  • Returning to work
  • Pressure of New Year’s resolutions
     

Is there a difference between January Blues and low mood?

January Blues tend to last for a few weeks because the contributing factors are situation or time specific.  Some people find that re-establishing their normal routines post-holiday season can help lift their mood.

Periods of low mood and depression can affect anyone at any time; as changing individual circumstances affect our emotional wellbeing at different times of the year.

Here are some tips from us on how you can improve feeling low in mood.
 

Mindfulness with Peter Helmer

Mindfulness can help us move from ‘doing mode’ to ‘being mode’ and become more aware of our present moments. It has been proven effective in reducing stress and anxiety.

Peter Helmer, experienced NHS mindfulness practitioner runs weekly groups
 

Exercise and eating well

Exercise has been proven to be beneficial for physical and mental health; for instance, it can reduce negative mood and anxiety.

Visit our nutrition and physcial health self-help resources.

Our Keeping Well Team is here for you whatever your needs, support is available. Contact us:

Return to News