Fretting over ‘most depressing day’ of 2026? UAE doctors reveal how to boost your mood

With the Christmas spirit slowly disappearing and the morning coming, and the new year reality sinks in, a lot of residents are facing what is popularly called the most depressing day of the year, the third Monday of January. For Blue Monday 2026, which falls on January 19, feelings of lethargy, financial strain, and the post-festive slump can feel overwhelming. Nevertheless, medical professionals also point out that this particular date is not clinically grounded, though it is an essential reminder to focus particularly on psychological health, according to Latest Gulf News. Instead of dwelling in the darkness, this day makes it possible to cleanse oneself. Top psychiatrists in the area are already breaking the myth, providing evidence-based advice to allow the residents to go through this hard time with resilience.

Expert Insights on Mental Health UAE

Dr. Salman Kareem, a specialist psychiatrist at Aster Clinic Dubai explains that the exact date is a marketing gimmick, but the winter blues are a fact. Mood can be affected adversely by reduced sunlight which disturbs circadian rhythms. To fight this, gurus suggest the strategy of behavioral activation, which is the ability to divide giant tasks into small, easy-to-do steps in order to feel that we still have the power and we achieve something in the downturn.

Practical Mood Boosting Tips

Dr. Amir Javaid from Burjeel Medical City suggests actionable mood boosting tips to counter the January blues. Endorphins and serotonin are scientifically known to release with regular exercise especially a 30-minute brisk walk. Also, a regular sleeping program and returning to social life, even by a simple phone call, can have a strong impact on reducing stress. These minor, repetitive actions can help the residents to turn the so-called saddest day into a wellness booster in the long run.