Communities are being urged to embrace the outdoors this Blue Monday, typically the third Monday in January, by taking purposeful time in nature as a way to support mental wellbeing during the winter months.
While the idea of Blue Monday as the “most depressing day of the year” has been widely criticised as lacking scientific basis and rooted in a 2005 marketing concept, many people do feel low in mid-January due to seasonal stresses such as short daylight hours, post-holiday fatigue and financial pressures.
The Original Muck Boot Company, a UK footwear brand known for its waterproof outdoor boots, is calling on people to step outside and experience the wellbeing benefits of forests and green spaces this Blue Monday. The campaign supports Muck Boot’s ongoing partnership with Forestry England, which manages the nation’s publicly accessible woods and forests and promotes outdoor engagement as a route to better physical and mental health.
Winter Blues and Wellbeing
Although there is no clinical evidence to validate Blue Monday as a uniquely difficult day for mental health, January can be a challenging time for many people across the UK. Seasonal Affective Disorder, low motivation, gloomy weather and the pressure of unmet New Year expectations can all take a toll on mood and energy levels during the winter months.
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Spending time outdoors has been linked with real and measurable benefits for wellbeing. Research suggests that visiting woodlands and green spaces can improve air quality, encourage physical activity, reduce stress hormones and enhance reported happiness and overall mental health. Some evidence even estimates that visits to UK woodlands save millions in mental health treatment costs by reducing the incidence of depression and anxiety.
Encouraging Connection with Nature
As part of its role as National Wellbeing Partner to Forestry England, Muck Boot is backing a range of initiatives designed to reduce barriers to outdoor access and encourage more people to discover forests as spaces for restoration. Across selected Forestry England sites this winter, tailored activity sessions are available for community groups and individuals, including those with mild-to-moderate health conditions, with a focus on nature-based experiences that support mental and physical wellbeing.
The collaboration also includes projects to improve forest access infrastructure, making visits more inclusive and welcoming, and a social-engagement campaign inviting visitors to share moments of gratitude for forests in exchange for chances to win outdoor gear and national membership. These efforts sit alongside year-round programming aimed at encouraging mindful forest experiences, from walking trails to guided activities that deepen people’s connection with nature.
Nature as Part of Everyday Self-Care
Forest bathing, a practice that originated in Japan and involves mindful immersion in woodland environments, is one example of how people can intentionally engage with nature to support their mental health. Evidence suggests that such practices can help reduce stress, lower heart rate and improve immune function, making them valuable tools for wellbeing, particularly when the seasonal slump can feel overwhelming.
creatingtomorrowsforests.co.uk
Research also highlights that connection with the natural world can be more important for mental wellbeing than mere exposure, encouraging people to engage with the environment in mindful and meaningful ways rather than purely physical presence.
For many, Blue Monday may be a symbolic prompt, rather than a scientifically defined mental health event, but the broader message of prioritising emotional health and connectedness remains important. Taking time to step outdoors, whether into a forest, park or local green space, offers a practical way to offset winter blues and support wellbeing throughout the year.