Printing Charity debunks ‘Blue Monday’

The Printing Charity has released a statement debunking what it calls the “popular myth” that the third Monday in January [January 19th in 2026] is the most depressing day of the year.

The Printing Charity is a UK charity dedicated to providing support for those in the print and associated industries, with a history stretching back almost 200 years.

The concept of ‘Blue Monday’ was first created in 2004 by psychologist Dr Cliff Arnall, as part of a marketing campaign for UK travel company, Sky Travel, using a formula to identify the third Monday in January as the ‘most depressing day’ to encourage holiday bookings. However, Arnall later admitted that the formula was “pseudoscience.”

In its statement on Blue Monday, The Printing Charity says: “Blue Monday was originally conceived as a marketing ploy to sell holidays – of course, the reality is that challenging times don’t follow a calendar.”

The charity goes on to provide some steps people can take to support your wellbeing in and out of work, both “on Blue Monday, and every day of the year.”

These include self-care practices such as eating well and getting enough sleep, getting activity into your day including stretching and deep breathing, and building strong social connections both outside and inside work to help reduce stress.

Additionally, The Printing Charity has encouraged people to take proper breaks at work, including getting away from your desk and even out of the workplace if possible.

Non-profit organisation, The Samaritans, has turned ‘Blue Monday’ into ‘Brew Monday,’ encouraging people to keep connected by having a cup of tea and a chat.

The Printing Charity currently provides mental health support, information, and advice through a confidential Printing Charity helpline which is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The helpline is open for any employees in the print sector and related industries.

Printing Charity chief executive officer, Neil Lovell, says: “No-one can predict when they’re going to need help, but whenever that moment happens, we believe that everyone should have someone to turn to. This is why our helpline is here to support everyone in our sector, every day of the year.”