Blue Monday has earned a reputation as the most depressing day of the year. Falling in the depths of winter, it often arrives when the festive glow has faded, daylight is still short, and motivation feels harder to find. While the term itself originated as a marketing concept, the feelings it represents are very real for many people - fatigue, restlessness, and the desire for something to look forward to.
But Blue Monday doesn’t have to live up to its name. In fact, it can be the perfect reminder to pause, reset, and make small decisions that lift your mood - whether that’s planning a trip, changing your routine, or creating something positive for the months ahead.
A Little Perspective on Blue Monday
Psychologically, January can feel heavy because it’s a time of transition. The excitement of the holidays is over, routines return, and goals for the year ahead can feel overwhelming. However, experts increasingly agree that it’s not about the day itself - it’s about how we respond to this period of the year.
Rather than viewing Blue Monday as something to endure, many people now use it as a trigger to do something proactive: plan a break, set a goal, or simply permit themselves to look ahead with optimism.
What Science Says Actually Makes Us Happier
Planning Travel Boosts Happiness - Even Before You Go
Research in psychology consistently shows that anticipation plays a huge role in happiness. Simply planning a trip - choosing dates, browsing destinations, imagining yourself there - can significantly improve mood and reduce stress levels.
Booking a reservation at a bright, vibrant place or even organising a short city escape gives your brain something positive to focus on. The sense of control, excitement, and future reward activates the same happiness pathways as the trip itself. In other words, you don’t have to be travelling yet to feel better - planning is powerful.
Changing Environment Improves Mental Well-being
Another well-supported finding is that changing your environment can improve emotional well-being. A new setting - whether it’s a sunny destination or a cultural city break - stimulates the brain, breaks negative thought loops, and restores motivation.
Even a short stay somewhere new can reduce stress, improve sleep, and increase overall life satisfaction. This is why booking a few nights away, especially during winter, can be one of the most effective ways to lift your mood.
Turn Blue Monday into a Reason to Travel
If you’ve been waiting for a sign to book that break - this is it. With Pass the Keys North Kensington, you can turn Blue Monday into the start of something up lifting.
Whether you’re visiting London for work, leisure, or a last-minute escape, our professionally managed properties offer comfort, convenience, and flexibility in one of the capital’s most vibrant areas.
Blue Monday Guest Offer
Use the discount code: NKEN5 when booking your reservation with Pass the Keys North Kensington and enjoy an exclusive saving on your stay. It’s the perfect excuse to plan now and give yourself something to look forward to.
Blue Monday Is Also a Smart Time to Become a Host
Blue Monday isn’t just for guests - it’s also an opportunity for homeowners and landlords to make a positive change.
If you own a property in North Kensington and have been considering short-let hosting, this is a great moment to act. Becoming a host can:
- Create an additional income stream
- Increase flexibility with your property
- Remove the stress of day-to-day management
With Pass the Keys North Kensington, everything from guest communication to cleaning and compliance is handled for you.
Blue Monday Host Offer
Thinking of joining us? Use the discount code: BLUE MONDAY when signing up and receive an exclusive hosting incentive to get started.
Make Blue Monday Work for You
Blue Monday doesn’t have to be about feeling low. It can be the day you:
- Plan a trip
- Book a stay
- Start a hosting journey
- Give yourself something positive to anticipate
Sometimes, happiness starts with a simple decision - and today is a great day to make one.