If you’re like most people, and in the case of Garfield, some cats, certain Mondays make getting out of bed difficult. Apparently, according to British psychologist Cliff Arnall, some Mondays are worse than others.
Tomorrow, January 22nd, is supposed to be the most depressing Monday of the year, and is consequently nicknamed “Blue Monday.” Arnall has constructed a formula to predict depressing days that includes factors such as weather, holiday debts, time since Christmas, time since failing our New Year’s resolution, motivational levels, and feeling the need to take action. Okay, so not everybody in the world of science is overwhelmed by Arnall’s methods, but it’s all in good fun.
I’m guessing fans of the Patriots and Saints are not going to feel as happy tomorrow as their counterparts in Chicago and Indianapolis, but I don’t see football results in Arnall’s equations.
Can we avoid a bad day? Arnall suggests that we use the day to improve ourselves. By pledging to reduce holiday spending next year or deciding to improve our behavior by dieting or giving up smoking, we can improve our attitude. Or perhaps we can just wait until Arnall designates the happiest day of the year, which was June 23rd last year. Funny, I always like June, but I certainly can’t remember what I was up to on the 23rd.
At least here in sunny (although currently rather chilly) California, we do not have to contend with what the British call “dark days.” I would also add to Arnall’s suggestions my favorite method for dealing with Mondays–a very hot, strong cup of marvelous Kona coffee from the Pele plantation! You haven’t had coffee until you’ve tried this one.
3 Comments
huggydrea · January 24, 2007 at 3:14 pm
I’m sorry but having the “Monday blues” is not because of anything other than the fact that there is an entire week ahead of you, full of “stuff” that has to get done. Although the article was “cute” I wouldn’t consider it very scientific.
sebia · January 26, 2007 at 12:56 pm
I can definitely relate to weather affecting my attitude. Perhaps many of you can also relate to waking up on a rainy/gloomy Saturday morning and spending the morning moping around or lying in bed for the majority of the day rather than being active and heading out to the gym like you had planned to do. Obviously Arnall’s happiest and bluest days cannot be applied across the board due to personal tragedies and extreme pleasures, but I personally agree with his notion of “weather, debt, time since Christmas, time since failing our new year’s resolutions, low motivational levels and the feeling of a need to take action” playing a large role in our gloominess. Again, I specifically agree with the weather having a significant influence on behavior. As far as Monday being a depressing day in general- I surely hope to find a profession that doesn’t leave me dragging my feet every Monday. I think the dislike of Monday is simply a reflection of dissatisfaction with the work place or primary weekly obligation which a person has.
alleyj · February 28, 2007 at 10:34 pm
I don’t really believe in the case of the “Blue Mondays.” Honestly, my worse days of the week aren’t necessarily Mondays- I definitely agree with his other factors such as poor weather and debt having a negative impact on a person’s day. To me waking up any day of the week and it being overcast and rainy is terrible and almost depressing and even though yes, Mondays mean there’s a whole week ahead of me before another break as long as it’s sunny and warm outside and I have no immediate problems it’s going to be a great day!
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