More than a quarter of people in UK have ‘January blues’, poll claims

Lack of money after overspending in December biggest reason

People also blamed the weather and dark mornings for their mood (Getty)

More than one quarter of people in Britain have the ‘January blues’ and admit to feeling more miserable than they do at any other time of the year.

The study of 2,000 UK adults revealed how bleak the first month of the year is for many.

While 48 per cent say their happiness doesn’t differ during January, 27 per cent said it is lower compared to other months.

A lack of money is the main reason people feel down after overspending during December.

Britain’s bleak weather was the second most common reason for the blues, followed by the dark mornings and evenings and returning to work following the festive season.

New year health drives also put a downer on the month for many — with 10 per cent of people in Britain blaming ‘Dry January’ for their downbeat attitude, while three per cent attribute Veganuary to their miserable demeanour.

Just 11 per cent said they’re happier in January than during any other period of the year.

And it is Londoners who love January more than anyone, with one in five (20 per cent) of those living in the capital saying it is their best month of the year.

The research was carried out by Netherlands-based airline KLM and follows the World Happiness Report, which revealed the Dutch live a more upbeat lifestyle compared to those in the UK.

It is a verdict backed by more than two million people in Britain who said they thought they’d be happier if they lived a short distance across the North Sea.

It also emerged one quarter of people in Britain have tried to improve their outlook in January by spending more time with family, while a further 23 per cent have booked a holiday.

Exercise, a weekend away and regular walks in the countryside are among other ways adults cheered themselves up.

To brighten up the month, and the forthcoming Blue Monday, KLM has partnered with TV psychologist Honey Langcaster-James to highlight tips people in Britain could take from the Dutch.

She believes says we should consider adopting the Dutch mindful art of doing nothing, also known as ‘Niksen’, which is an ideology that promotes taking time out to stop, switch off and really relax.

She said: “We have a tendency to keep going and going and we get to a point of burnout, compassion fatigue and exhaustion.

“Taking a little time to do nothing, mindfully and for relaxation purposes, can be a good antidote to stress, and spending more time with friends and family can definitely improve your mood and even boost your immune system.”

Blue Monday is on 20 January and is said to be the most depressing day of the year, based on calculations factoring in the weather, finances and New Year’s resolutions.

KLM is bringing a boost of happiness to commuters with the KLMood Booster pop-up, a unique vending machine which dishes out Dutch treats inspired by Gezelligheid — a phrase that embodies all that is cosy and comforting.

It will be at London’s Paddington train station on Monday, Manchester Piccadilly train station on Wednesday and Glasgow Central Station on Friday 24 January.

Benedicte Duval, general manager for Air France-KLM in the UK & Ireland, said: “It’s no surprise that the research has shown that people opt to travel when they can to beat the January Blues.

“It’s clear, we value warm weather and the chance for mindfulness away from everyday stresses when thinking about wellness.

“With the launch of KLMood Booster, we’re really pleased to be able to share some of the benefits of a Dutch way-of life with those in the UK who may need a happiness boost”

SWNS