Blue Monday: Why January Can Feel So Difficult
January can be tough. Short days, long to-do lists, and energy that just doesn’t feel like it’s there. After the initial motivation that comes with the New Year begins to fade, many people notice changes in their mood, focus, or motivation—and start wondering whether it’s just “winter tiredness” or something more.
Rethinking Blue Monday
Blue Monday has become a symbol of this mid-winter slump. While there’s no single day that defines how we feel, it can be a useful moment to pause and check in with ourselves. Not to label the day as the hardest of the year, but to reflect on how our bodies and minds are really doing.
Feeling low, fatigued, or out of balance can have many causes. Stress, disrupted routines, and reduced daylight all play a role—but so can underlying health factors such as nutrient levels, hormones, or markers linked to energy and wellbeing. These aren’t always things you can feel or see, and guessing can often lead to more frustration than answers.
What’s Happening Beneath the Surface
Low energy or low mood isn’t always easy to explain. Lifestyle factors like sleep, stress, and movement play an important role—but so can underlying health markers that aren’t immediately obvious.
Recent Randox Health data highlights just how common some of these imbalances can be:
- 1 in 5 clients show possible Vitamin B12 deficiency, rising to 1 in 3 female clients aged 18–29. Vitamin B12 supports energy production and nervous system function, and low levels may contribute to fatigue or brain fog.
- Vitamin D deficiency is widespread during winter months, with 1 in 3 female clients aged 18–29 and 1 in 4 male clients showing low levels. Vitamin D is linked to mood, immunity, and overall wellbeing.
- 1 in 3 female clients are iron deficient, a factor that can affect energy levels, concentration, and physical stamina—often without obvious early symptoms.
- 1 in 7 clients are deficient in Folate, which works closely with Vitamin B12 to support brain and nervous system function.
Alongside essential nutrients like Vitamin D, Vitamin B12 and iron, there are other health markers that can play a role in energy, mood and overall wellbeing. These include:
- Thyroid Hormones, which influence metabolism, energy and mental clarity
- Inflammatory markers, as chronic inflammation has been linked to low mood and fatigue
- Blood glucose and HbA1c, which can affect energy and concentration
- Hormone levels, including those involved in stress response and reproductive health, which can impact mood and resilience
How Blood Testing Can Help
Regular blood testing offers a clearer picture of what’s really happening inside your body. Rather than relying on guesswork a blood test provides personalised insights into key markers that influence how you feel day to day. With this information you can make smarter more informed choices whether that’s adjusting your diet or lifestyle, seeking professional guidance, or simply gaining reassurance that you’re on the right track.
Because many markers interact with each other, testing only a few nutrients or hormones may miss important imbalances. That’s why a comprehensive health check like our popular Everyman and Everywoman health checks is so valuable—it provides a full picture of your body. By identifying potential imbalances early, packages like the Everyman and Everywoman supports a more proactive approach to your health. One that focuses on addressing not just how you feel today but on maintaining balance and promoting long term health.
A Positive Step Forward This Winter
Blue Monday doesn’t have to be about feeling stuck. It can be a moment to pause, reflect, and choose understanding over uncertainty.
This winter, checking in on your health could be the first step towards feeling more like yourself again.