Since 2005, the third Monday in January has come to be known as “Blue Monday.” In other words, that day is believed to be the most depressing day of the year. This concept seems logical at first. After all, Monday marks the start of the school or workweek after two days of rest and fun. Also, blue is a color that is often associated with sadness. Furthermore, in many parts of the world, January is a time when the weather is cold, rainy, and gloomy.
But is there any scientific proof that this January day is truly sadder than any of the other 364 days of the year? The short answer is “no,” even though the term was thought up by a British psychologist, Cliff Arnall. To prove his “Blue Monday” idea, Arnall developed an interesting theory. In the formula he came up with, he included several factors, such as the weather, possible debts from Christmas shopping, monthly salary, and failed attempts at New Year’s resolutions. The result is a complex-looking equation that looks like something Albert Einstein might have used. Yet, despite the impressive-looking formula, experts say it lacks objective proof.
There’s another reason to doubt Arnall’s decision to name the third Monday in January Blue Monday. It was actually part of a marketing campaign by a travel company called Sky Travel. Sky Travel paid Arnall to develop the concept in an effort to convince the public to take a holiday to a warm, sunny place to escape the winter blues.
Photo: AdobeStock I 照片：AdobeStock
自 2005年起，一月的第三個星期一便被稱為「憂鬱星期一」。換句話說，那一天被認為是一年之中最令人沮喪的日子。一開始，這個概念似乎很合理。畢竟，星期一象徵在兩天休息與玩樂之後，學校或工作週的開始。藍色也通常是與悲傷聯想在一起的顏色。此外，在世界許多地區，一月是天氣寒冷、多雨、陰沉的一個月分。
但是否有任何科學證據能證明一月的這一天真的比一年中其他三百六十四天更令人難過呢？簡短的答案是「沒有」，儘管這個詞是由英國心理學家克利夫．阿諾爾所提出的。為了驗證他的「憂鬱星期一」概念，阿諾爾設計了一套有趣的理論。在他提出的公式中，他納入了數個因素，例如天氣、聖誕節購物可能產生的債務、月薪，以及未能實現的新年新希望。結果便成了一個看起來相當複雜的方程式，看起來像是阿爾伯特．愛因斯坦使用過的那種公式。然而，儘管這個公式看起來相當令人印象深刻，但專家指出它缺乏客觀證據。
還有另一個理由讓人質疑阿諾爾將一月的第三個星期一定名憂鬱星期一的決定。這其實是一家名為Sky Travel的旅遊公司所策劃之行銷活動的一部分。Sky Travel付錢請阿諾爾發展這個概念，目的是要說服大眾前往溫暖、陽光充足的地方度假，好擺脫冬季的憂鬱情緒。
Photo: AdobeStock I 照片：AdobeStock
What Did You Learn?
1. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a reason people believe the third Monday of January is the saddest day?
(A) Cold, rainy weather in January can affect people’s moods.
(B) Many feel financial pressure after the holiday season.
(C) Scientific proof shows it is the year’s unhappiest day.
(D) Monday signals a return to daily responsibilities after the weekend.
2. A company posts an online ad claiming: “Feeling sad today? It’s Blue Monday! Book a vacation now to feel better instantly!”
According to the Day 1 passage, how should people respond to this ad?
(A) People shouldn’t take it too seriously since it’s just a joke.
(B) It could be a marketing strategy, so people should think critically.
(C) It must be true because many people feel down at the start of the week.
(D) People should avoid traveling on that day because people’s emotions are unstable.
答案：1. C 2. B
Words in Use
1. concept n. 概念
The concept of work-life balance is becoming more important to Daniel as pressure at his job increases.
隨著工作壓力增加，丹尼爾越來越重視工作與生活平衡這個概念。
2. logical a. 合乎邏輯的
Clara explained her decision step by step, and everyone agreed that her reasoning was logical.
克萊拉一步一步說明了自己的決定，大家都認同她的推理相當合乎邏輯。
3. psychologist n. 心理學家，心理師
Howard decided to see a psychologist to better understand the source of his emotional strain.
霍華決定去看心理師，以更了解自己的情緒壓力來源。
4. formula n. （數學、科學等的）公式
The wrong use of formulas on the test will result in incorrect answers.
在考試中使用錯誤的公式會導致答案不正確。
5. resolution n. 決心
New Year’s resolution(s) 新年新希望
Nancy made a resolution to exercise regularly after realizing the impact of stress on health.
南希在意識到壓力對健康的影響後，下定決心要規律運動。
Practical Phrases
1. be associated with. . . 與……聯想在一起
associate vt. 把……聯想在一起
High stress levels are often associated with long working hours.
高壓力程度通常與長時間工作有關。
2. think up. . . 提出∕想出……
= come up with. . .
Kevin stayed late to think up a creative solution to the problem.
凱文為了想出一個有創意的方法來解決該問題而待到很晚。
Melissa came up with a practical suggestion that everyone supported.
梅莉莎提出了一個大家都支持的實用建議。
To be continued tomorrow（明日待續）
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本文出自常春藤解析英語雜誌: www.ivy.com.tw
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