Is it the frigid temperatures that have got you feeling miserable this morning? Or are you simply not in the mood to be back at work after the holidays?
If you're feeling miserable today, you're probably not the only one -- the most depressing day of the year has come early in 2014.
While in the past 'Blue Monday' strikes later in the month, a U.K.-based protein drink company says we're actually feeling most down today.
Upbeat Drinks released its 'Upbeat Barometer' on Monday. The new tool, the company claims, has analyzed more than two million of tweets over the past three years to determine that today is the most depressing day of the year.
The barometer found that the first Monday back to work after the new year is the day when individuals post the most negative tweets.
The 'blue' theory stretches back to 2005 when psychologist Cliff Arnall was commissioned by a travel company to point out the most miserable day of the year.
The original formula looked at weather conditions, debt, the amount of time since Christmas, depression over our failed New Year's resolutions, and the fact that most of us hate Mondays, to declare the third Monday of the month as the most depressing.
While no actual scientific studies have ever backed up any claims about Blue Monday, statistics do show that many couples may see their relationship take a depressing turn this month, as January is the most popular month for divorce.
In fact, divorcedepot.co.uk – a do-it-yourself divorce service – says the first Monday of the new year is the most popular day to file for divorce.
"Through the holidays people want to celebrate one last time with their families intact and they don’t want to their kids to associate divorce with the holidays," divorce coach Deborah Moskovitch told CTV's Canada AM on Monday.
However, she said once the holidays are over, it’s normal for couples to do a little "soul searching."
"They decided this is it, I don't want to go through another year with my partner."
