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Blue Monday is an annually-changing date in January that is widely recognised in the UK as being the most miserable day of the year. The day was devised in 2005 and is based on pseudoscientific factors – beliefs, not accurate measures.

Where did Blue Monday come from?

It was thought up in 2005 by Dr. Cliff Arnall, a psychologist who looked at several factors – including debt levels, the weather and distance to payday – to determine when people are likely to be at their unhappiest.

The concept took off and has since been a regular topic of discussion in January every year. You may have seen it trend on social media and appear in the press. Blue Monday is a bleak reminder of the cold weather and money worries you may experience after Christmas. Dr Arnall has since apologised for the negative connotations surrounding the day. He even turned to campaigning against it several years ago!

What day does Blue Monday fall on this year?

In 2020, Blue Monday falls on Monday 20th January. 

Why are we talking about this?

Now, we know that Blue Monday is a load of old cobblers, but the day is widely recognised and we want to help put you in a positive mind-set for when it comes around again and starts getting talked about. We don’t want you to worry about it – see the day as an opportunity to make positive changes!

Check out our blog on looking after your mental health and beating the January blues, so you needn’t worry about this made up day! We understand that you may be stressed about post-Christmas debt, but there is always help available.

If you’d like to beat those Monday blues and talk about getting debt free, you can get free debt help online now or speak to a friendly PayPlan adviser on 0800 316 1833 .