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Marketing scheme, not science behind the Blue Monday theory

This is what some refer to as Blue Monday.

A UK travel company first claimed that the third Monday in January was the most depressing day of the year as part of a 2005 marketing campaign.

Sky Travel backed the idea with an arbitrary equation based on factors including winter weather, post-holiday letdown, and bills.

While there is no scientific proof behind Blue Monday, many people in the Northern Hemisphere do struggle with seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression, at this time of year.

Experts often recommend sunlight, sleep, exercise and other healthy lifestyle choices to boost mood during the dark and cold winter months.



  • Kelli Rickard began her broadcasting career nearly 40 years ago and has worked at radio stations in New Brunswick, Ontario and Nova Scotia. Based in Halifax, she anchors morning newscasts and covers stories across Nova Scotia. Contact Kelli at rickardk@radioabl.ca.

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