The worst day of the year

The worst day of the year

British psychologist calculates “most depressing day”

Is the midwinter weather wearing you down? Are you sinking in debt after the holidays?Angry with yourself for already breaking your New Year’s resolutions? Wish you could crawl back under the covers and not have to face another day of rain,sleet,snow,and

paperwork?Probably.After

all,it’s

Jan.24,the

“most

depressing day of the year”according to Dr.Cliff Arnall.

Arnall is a U.K.Psychologist and specializes in seasonal disorders at the University of Cardiff,Wales.He created a formula that takes into account numerous factors to devise people’s lowest point.The factors include weather ,debt,monthly salary,time since Christmas,time since failed quit attempt,low motivational levels,and the need to take action.

Reality starts to kick in

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.The realization coincides with the dark clouds rolling in and the obligation to pay off Christmas credit card bills.

Arnall’s formula was devised to help a travel company,Sky Travel,analyze when people book holidays and holiday trends.It seems that people are most likely to buy a ticket to paradise when they feel like hell.People feel bleak when they have nothing planned,but once they book a holiday they have a goal,they work toward having time off and a relaxing period.When they imagine themselves on the beach it makes them feel positive.They will save money,go to the gym and come back to the optimism they had at the end of the year.

In the U.K,up to a third get SAD

Research shows an escape to the sun can have real health benefits.According to a leading mental health charity in England and Wales ,up to a third of the population,in Britain at least,suffers from Seasonal Affective Disorder,or SAD,also known as winter depression.Furthermore,nine out of 10 people report sleeping and eating more during the darker months.

While most cases of the winter blues are not severe.2 percent to 5 percent of those with SAD cannot function without continuous treatment.However,it’s extremely to find anyone within degrees of the equator,where days are long and the sky is bright year-around.

These findings appear to support a key factor in Arnall’s research on the formula for Sky Travel.However, some people warn against overemphasizing the psychologist’s claims.These types of formula,if anything,may serve to oversimplify the complexities of real-life experience.Others in the medical field are less skeptical.Dr.Alan.Cohen,spokesperson for the Royal College of General Practitioners,believes that Arnall’s equation is right.He holds that there are number of different causes of depression.It may be something about one’s personality,genes or external events.In his view ,for those who suffer from external events.Jan.24 would be the most depressing day.

While travel companies hope to turn gloom into gold this date,for those unable to book a last-minute tropical getaway.Arnall might want to consider a formula for the “happiest day of the year.”