Blue Monday: Is this the saddest day of the year & how to turn that around?

Monday, January 19th, is upon us, and that means it's "Blue Monday" according to... well, according to someone! This third Monday of January is often slapped with the unfortunate title of the "unhappiest day" of the year. Sounds cheerful, right?

Blue Monday Myth BUSTED! Is Today REALLY the Sadde...

Now, I've lived here in Spain for over 25 years, seen a few Januarys come and go, and while the science backing up this "Blue Monday" claim is about as solid as a snowman in July, there's definitely *something* to the mid-January blues. Let's be honest, the Christmas decorations are down, the bank balance is looking a bit sorry for itself, and the weather, even here on the Costa del Sol, can be a bit… meh. It's easy to feel a bit deflated.

But, before you start reaching for that extra glass of Rioja (tempting, I know!), let's consider this: perhaps "Blue Monday" is less about a specific date and more about a common experience. It’s a convenient label for that post-holiday slump we all feel to some degree. And while quick-fix solutions often marketed to us – retail therapy, anyone? – might provide a temporary boost, there are definitely better ways to navigate these winter doldrums.

So, what can we do? Well, first, get some sunshine. I know it sounds obvious, especially for those of us lucky enough to live in Spain, but even on a cloudy day, getting outside for a walk does wonders. Vitamin D is your friend! Second, reconnect with things you enjoy. That could be diving into a good book, catching up with friends, or even just spending some quiet time in the garden. For me, it’s usually strumming my guitar – badly, but enthusiastically! Remember those New Year's resolutions? Now's the time to dust them off.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, be kind to yourself. January can feel like a long slog, so don’t beat yourself up if you're not feeling 100%. Acknowledge the blues, but don't let them define your month. Focus on small, achievable goals, and remember that spring is just around the corner. And hey, even if Blue Monday *is* real, we've got 364 other days to look forward to. ¡Ánimo!

By Adam Woodward

Published: January 19, 2026 • 10:11 • 2 minutes read

Feeling blue in January Credit: SynthEx

**About the Author**

Adam Woodward has resided in Spain for over 25 years. With a background in English teaching and a passion for music, food, and the arts, he brings a rich personal perspective to his work at Euro Weekly News. As a father of three with deep roots in Spanish life, Adam writes engaging stories that explore culture, lifestyle, and the everyday experiences that shape communities across Spain.

**About Euro Weekly News**

Known as the PEOPLE’S PAPER, Euro Weekly News is the leading English language newspaper in Spain. And it’s FREE! Covering the Almeria, Axarquia, Costa Blanca North, Costa Blanca South, Costa del Sol, Costa Calida, Mallorca and beyond, EWN supports and inspires the individuals, neighbourhoods, and communities we serve, by delivering news with a social conscience. Whether it’s local news in Spain, UK news or international stories, we are proud to be the voice for the expat communities who now call Spain home. With around half a million print readers a week and over 1.5 million web views per month, EWN has the biggest readership of any English language newspaper in Spain. The paper prints over 150 news stories a week with many hundreds more on the web – no one else even comes close. Our publication has won numerous awards over the last 25 years including Best Free Newspaper of the Year (Premios AEEPP), Company of the Year (Costa del Sol Business Awards) and Collaboration with Foreigners honours (Mijas Town Hall). All of this comes at ZERO cost to our readers. All our print and online content always has been and always will be FREE OF CHARGE. Download our media pack in either English or Spanish.