By The Way...

So, if you're feeling down today, apparently you're not alone, according to British psychologist Cliff Arnall, whose research pegs January 24 as "the most depressing day of the year":

Arnall found that, while days technically get longer after Dec. 21, cyclonic weather systems take hold in January, bringing low, dark clouds to Britain. Meanwhile, the majority of people break their healthy resolutions six to seven days into the new year, and even the hangers-on have fallen off the wagon, torn off the nicotine patches and eaten the fridge empty by the third week. Any residual dregs of holiday cheer and family fun have kicked the bucket by Jan. 24.

“Following the initial thrill of New Year's celebrations and changing over a new leaf, reality starts to sink in,” Arnall said. “The realization coincides with the dark clouds rolling in and the obligation to pay off Christmas credit card bills.”

Who funded the study? Travel companies: "It seems that people are most likely to buy a ticket to paradise when they feel like hell." Heh.

Maybe why that's I'm feeling okay today: I just got back from a trip.

How are you feeling today, anyway? Think there's anything to this January 24 thing?

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• #9 Comment from mutualaide 
  1/24/05 4:52 PM | Permalink

  Happy as a Blue Bird here today.  Anyone who knows me well or has read my journal over the last few months knows that this is an effort and a half...feeling chipper that is.  Well, now that I think about it, it is no longer and effort and a half.  It's all in the 'tude, I guess.  So, here, in snowy, cold, geez I wish it would snow more, Massachusetts, I'm feeling quite happy!  The heck with that research!
• #8 Comment from amk829 
  1/24/05 4:50 PM | Permalink

  Yep, its depressing. My brothers and their friends broke my bedroom window by throwing a football. I'll live, its fixable. :0)
  
  -Andrew
• #7 Comment from ondinemonet 
  1/24/05 3:31 PM | Permalink

  Hello John
  
  Well, it certainly explains some things...LOL. I wish I would have known about this the day before yesterday! Yep, I am depressed and I even wrote about it today, but as of midnight, I'll be over it. :) That's why I enjoy popping over here for a look see, John, you unlock the mysteries of the universe and look quite nifty in lamp shade hats.
  
  Always, Carly :)
• #6 Comment from jazzyjedila 
  1/24/05 1:22 PM | Permalink

  That cycle doesn't apply to New Orleans. Here, Carnival balls start on January 6th, and the parades have just kicked off for the season.  Now, maybe when Lent is in effect, there might be an increase in depression.
  Maybe this is one of the destinations the travel companies sell well? ;)
  
  Interesting study though.  Thanks for sharing.
• #5 Comment from barbaramck 
  1/24/05 1:12 PM | Permalink

  I'm feeling Just CAPITAL!
  
  Thank-you for asking. *wink*
  
  ....And, Nope.
  
  Have a great day! @~barb~