Money woes, bleak weather and health drives make January the most miserable time of the year
More than one quarter of Brits have the 'January Blues' and admit to feeling more miserable than during any other time of the year.
The study of 2,000 UK adults revealed how bleak the first month of the year is for many.
While 48 per cent say their happiness doesn't differ during January, 27 per cent said it decreases compared to other months.
The main reason people feel down is due to a lack of money after overspending during December.
Britain’s bleak weather was the second most popular reason for the blues, followed by the darkness and returning to work following the festive season.
Nationwide health drives also put a downer on the month for many - with 10 per cent of Brits blaming Dry January for their downbeat attitude, while three per cent attribute Veganuary to their miserable demeanour.
Just 11 per cent said they’re happier in January than during any other period of the year.
And it is Londoners who love January more than anyone, with one in five (20 per cent) of those living in the capital saying it is their best month of the year.
The research was carried out by Netherlands-based airline KLM and follows the World Happiness Report which revealed the Dutch live a more upbeat lifestyle to those in the UK.
It is a verdict backed by more than two million Brits who said they thought they’d be happier if they lived a short distance across the North Sea.
One quarter of Brits have tried to improve their outlook in January by spending more time with family, while a further 23 per cent have booked a holiday.
Exercise, a weekend away and regular walks in the countryside are among other ways adults cheer themselves up.
To brighten up the month, and the forthcoming Blue Monday, KLM has partnered with TV psychologist Honey Langcaster-James to highlight tips Brits could take from the Dutch.
Honey Langcaster-James believes says we should consider adopting the Dutch mindful art of doing nothing, also known as ‘Niksen’ which is an ideology that promotes taking time out to stop, switch off and really relax.
She said: “We have a tendency to keep going and going and we get to a point of burnout, compassion fatigue and exhaustion.
“Taking a little time to do nothing, mindfully and for relaxation purposes, can be a good antidote to stress, and spending more time with friends and family can definitely improve your mood and even boost your immune system.”
Blue Monday is on January 20 and is said to be the most depressing day of the year, based on calculations factoring in the weather, finances and New Year’s Resolutions.
KLM is bringing a boost of happiness to commuters with the KLMood Booster pop-up, a unique vending machine which dishes out Dutch treats inspired by Gezelligheid – a phrase that embodies all that is cosy and comforting.
It will be at Paddington Train Station on Monday, Manchester Piccadilly Train Station on Wednesday and Glasgow Central Station on Friday January 24.
Benedicte Duval, general manager for Air France-KLM in the UK & Ireland, said: “It’s no surprise that the research has shown that people opt to travel when they can to beat the January Blues.
“It’s clear, we value warm weather and the chance for mindfulness away from everyday stresses when thinking about wellness.
“We were delighted to work with psychologist, Honey Langcaster-James to offer additional wellness tips this Blue Monday, for those who aren’t able to getaway.
“Plus, with the launch of KLMood Booster, we’re really pleased to be able to share some of the benefits of a Dutch way-of life with those in the UK who may need a happiness boost”
Top 10 reasons Brits feel down in January:
1 (48 per cent) Lack of money, after over spending
2 (40 per cent) The weather
3 (39 per cent) The dark nights
4 (37 per cent) Lack of daylight
5 (32 per cent) The magic of Christmas is over
6 (31 per cent) Going back to work
7 (24 per cent) Overindulging over the Christmas period
8 (21 per cent) Loneliness
9 (16 per cent) The pressure of new year’s resolutions
10 (12 per cent) Lack of a social life