As the calendar flips to mid-January, a familiar date looms: Blue Monday. This year, the so-called 'most depressing day of the year' falls on Monday, January 19, 2026. But before you resign yourself to gloom, it's worth remembering the day's unconventional origins.
The Surprising History of Blue Monday
Contrary to popular belief, Blue Monday wasn't born in a psychologist's office. It was actually conceived as part of a marketing campaign by Sky Travel in 2005. The company collaborated with psychologist Cliff Arnall to devise a formula factoring in post-Christmas debt, broken New Year's resolutions, and dismal weather, all to pinpoint a perfect day to sell sunny holiday getaways. While scientists have since questioned the formula's validity, the concept has firmly embedded itself in British culture, giving a name to the collective January slump.
25 High Street Picks to Lift Your Spirits
Rather than succumbing to the blues, why not shop your way to a better mood? Our shopping expert has scoured the high street for an abundance of fashion, beauty, home, and lifestyle goodies designed to inject some joy into your January. Here are 25 standout finds, from budget-friendly treats to investment pieces.
For Home Comfort: Create a cosy sanctuary with the George at Home Red & Pink Box Pleat Striped Duvet Set from just £12, or the super-soft Pale Yellow Cotton Towel Range from 80p. Add a cheerful pop of colour with a Dusk Yellow Flower Cushion for £12, or embrace the calming science of Deep Touch Pressure with an Oodie Weighted Blanket for £109.
Beauty & Wellness Boosters: Elevate your skincare with the Medicube Age-r LED Booster Pro Pink (£289) or the affordable Simple Glow+ Vitamin C Serum (£9.99). Indulge in a Cult Beauty Sheet Mask Bundle (£31) or try the NEOM Pro-Vitamin D3 Dry Body Oil (£35) for a skin-nourishing, mood-lifting mist. For restful nights, consider the Hatch Restore 3 smart bedside device (£225.49) or the Boots Feel Ready To Wind Down Bundle (£59.50).
Fashion & Lifestyle Treats: Brighten your wardrobe with a New Look Pale Yellow Knit Cardigan (£28.99) or slip into playful TU Clothing Pancake Print Pyjamas (£24). Don't forget your feet with adorable Boux Avenue Plush Bunny Slippers (£24). For a thoughtful gift or self-purchase, the Daisy London x Estée Lalonde Sapphire Ring Stack offers luxury at £199.
Experiences and Edibles
Sometimes the best remedy is an experience. A Trip to Rome with flights and a 4-star hotel starts from £79 per person. For a non-alcoholic kick, try the limited-edition Three Spirit Livener XS elixir (£25.99). Pick up a copy of James Clear's 'Atomic Habits' (£10.04) for motivation, or grab a Shaken Vanilla Bean Matcha from Blank Street from £4.40. For a last-minute wellness dive, tickets for The Beauty Triangle Festival at 180 Studios on Saturday, January 24 start from £70.
From the practical charm of a Primark Croissant Side Plate (£4) to the internal glow from Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides (£24.74), this edit proves there are plenty of ways to add a little light to the third Monday of January.
