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Blue Monday, which falls on the third Monday of January is associated with a significant dip in happiness among people during this time of the year. A recent report has revealed that it is natural to feel a bit low during this time of the year as people go back to their routine jobs after Christmas celebrations and New Year revelries.

However, this general low mood has no connection to the popularly known 'Blue Monday' concept and cannot be attributed to it, reveal scientists. 

Blue Monday - Just a myth with no scientific basis

Scientists have debunked this theory as an invalid measure that does not conform to the metrical system, reports Netdoctor.  Allegedly, Blue Monday is just a marketing gimmick by travel and consumer goods organizations to improve their marketing strategies and sell their products to make people happy.

Psychiatrists are of the opinion that it is normal to experience a temporary low phase. According to them, feeling low and high are normal emotions.  However, these temporary feelings of low should not be confused with clinical depression or anxiety which is a mental health issue. Experts say that depression and anxiety needs monitoring and treatment, and should not be taken lightly.

According to conflicting opinion, there is  a good side in glorifying the Blue Monday. The day also sends out a message that despite all the societal pressure to be happy, it is acceptable to be unhappy sometimes.

How did the 'Blue Monday' concept begin ?

Sky Travel, a Holiday Company had first come up with this 'Blue Monday' concept in 2005 as a marketing strategy. Sky Travel explained that the concept of 'Blue Monday' had its roots from a scientific formula that computed different variables - weather, motivation levels, debt status, time after festivities etc. Scientists have debunked this theory as an invalid measure that does not conform to the metrical system, reports Netdoctor.

Since 2005, usually the third Monday in January has been titled 'Blue Monday' to denote the day as the most depressing day of the year.

Tips to beat the blues

CBT therapists have suggested proven ways to beat the so-called blues during this time of the year.

• Wear bright colors. Colors have an effect on our emotions and when the weather is down, it is good to perk up the mood by donning bright clothes.
• Reinforce positive emotions instead of harping on the negative. For instance, rather than stress about the bad weather it is good to make the best use of the available daylight.
• Have an early start to the day with a good fitness regime. Kick-starting the day with exercise ensures endorphins do their job early enough in the morning hours.
• Laugh more and live and let live. Choose the battles wisely and accept that life is all about meeting challenges
• Deep breathing exercises and meditation helps keep emotions in check. Even few minutes of mediation regularly offers immense health benefits, recommend therapists.
• A sense of gratitude for all the blessings is a way to counter blues .

Blue Monday should not be given more attention than it deserves, feel psychiatrists. While it is okay to feel down at this time of the year, it is important NOT to accentuate the negative, reveals Lincolnshirelive. Experts suggest working on the positive emotions instead to come out of the temporary low phase.