Melancholy Brits spend 96 days a year in a glum mood, study finds

19 January 2023 , 09:00

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One in four Brits suffer their lowest moods in January (Image: SWNS)

Gloomy Brits spend over three months a year – a total of 96 days – suffering from a low mood, with a quarter feeling at their worst during January, according to a study.

The first month of the year is typically when the most people need a boost of joy, from spending time with friends and family, to listening to music or going outdoors.

The average Brit suffers eight sad days a month, according to a poll of 2,000 adults.

However, winter is the worst season for this, because of the weather, feeling cold, and shorter days with darker mornings and evenings.

Following the findings, a mood-boosting billboard has been unveiled, that dispenses light therapy to help banish the January blues.

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The 4.4 x 6 metre advertisement, in the shape of a giant doughnut box, beams out white light that can help banish S.A.D – Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Melancholy Brits spend 96 days a year in a glum mood, study finds

The typical Brit spends less than an hour outdoors during winter (SWNS)

Emma Colquhoun, spokeswoman for Krispy Kreme, which commissioned the research and created the installation, said: “We've just had Blue Monday, often referred to as the most depressing day of the year, making this week arguably one of the toughest.

“And the study indicates we're not far wrong. From the national average of nine low moods in January, we hope today won’t be one.

“Opening a box of doughnuts is one way to bring joy into people’s lives – so we wanted to make that literal.

“This is the only doughnut box in the world to deliver light therapy that can help banish Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).”

The study also revealed that the average person spends just under an hour a day outdoors in winter – and estimates only 44 minutes of that is in direct sunlight.

And one in five only get between one and 15 minutes a day under the winter sun’s rays.

It also emerged the average Brit doesn’t go outside for a single bit of winter daylight for nearly three days a week.

The study, conducted via OnePoll, also revealed one in five (21%) keep their curtains closed during the day to keep the heat in – despite the fact they’re keeping the sunshine out.

Nevertheless, 52% try to make a conscious effort to get outdoors, because they acknowledge it improves their mood – with 56% believing direct sunlight to be the best way to combat low mood.

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And 32% have considered seeking more sunlight by moving abroad, away from the British weather.

But more than half think that getting out into the winter sunlight helps improve their mood (SWNS)

It also emerged that 14% have been told they have Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D), with another 28% believing they suffer from the condition.

The doughnut installation provides 10,000 lux of white light, which is the recommended amount to create ambient daylight.

Dr Shelley James, director at Age of Light Innovations, said: “Bright light, especially in the morning, can help boost your mood in three naturally powerful ways, by helping the brain to regulate mood hormones, supporting alertness and making it easier to fall asleep.

“SAD lamps work because they can supplement natural light to give our brains the brightness they need to rise and shine.

“Getting outside into natural daylight can top up your mood-boosting system when the sun just isn't breaking through, as well as giving you a chance to get a little exercise.

“Bright light at the right time can even help you sleep better, too.”

Emma Colquhoun, for Krispy Kreme, added: “We’re really hoping to brighten the day of anyone walking past our SADvert today.

“Daylight and Doughnuts? It's a joyful combination we’re happy to share.”

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