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Storm Goretti Cancels Wisbech WI’s First 2026 Meeting as Blue Monday Talk Returns

Therapists dismiss the ‘saddest day’ claim, urging small, practical habits to ease January lows.

Overview

  • The Wisbech Women’s Institute called off its first meeting of the year due to snow, persistent rain and forecasts for Storm Goretti that made travel risky.
  • Organizers prioritized member safety, contacted attendees to stand down, and now aim to start public activities with a traditional Burns lunch.
  • Blue Monday is being highlighted again as the third Monday in January, which in 2026 is Monday 19 January, despite its origin as a 2005 Sky Travel promotion involving Dr. Cliff Arnall.
  • Mental-health professionals quoted in the coverage reject the notion of a scientifically defined ‘saddest day’ yet acknowledge that many people experience low mood in January.
  • Recommended supports include slowing Monday mornings, getting light and movement, and planning simple evening pick-me-ups such as a bath, a cosy meal, a call with a friend, a walk, yoga or journalling, with some people also embracing quiet ‘niksen’ or local gatherings to lift spirits.