Most depressing day of year theory 'nonsense'

Since 2005, when the concept was first put forward by Cliff Arnall, a tutor at Cardiff University, Wales, many pundits have advanced the theory of what has been dubbed 'Blue Monday.'

Advocates of the idea claim that the nadir is caused by a variety of factors including grotty weather, broken New Year's resolutions and debts in the wake of Christmas.

''There's an urban myth that there is such a day,'' psychologist Professor Bogdan Wojciszke told the Polish Press Agency (PAP).

''But it's nonsense,'' he added. (nh)