_x000D_Illustration: HowSmart.net and DALL-E

What is Blue Monday known for?

Blue Monday, falling on the third Monday of January, is dubbed the most depressing day of the year. This gloomy title was originally part of a marketing campaign by Sky Travel in 2004, concocted by psychologist Cliff Arnall. He created a bogus formula considering weather conditions, debt levels, the time since Christmas, and low motivation levels. While initially a ploy to boost holiday bookings, Blue Monday has since taken on a life of its own in the cultural zeitgeist. Companies have even begun to offer wellness perks, including a day off work, to combat the blues.