Don't Expect Too Much From Today - January 6 Is Officially The Most Depressing Day Of The Year

Today is set to be the most depressing day of the year, according to a new study. Extensive analysis of social media reveals that the first Monday back at work in January is the most miserable. The research is drawn from a tool that analyses a random representative sample of British tweets on a daily basis. It measures 'sentiment and happiness', providing a daily unique score between 0 and 100 to deliver a 'happiness index' of the nation's mood. The Upbeat Barometer analysed over 2,205,298 British tweets in January over the past three years, picking out negative language and phrases that indicate mood plummets in the month. Over the last three years, the first Monday back at work has consistently scored the lowest score for the year - an average of 49. Previous research suggests 'Blue Monday' falls on the third Monday of January, but this day typically scores 67. The new report also reveals a nation struggling with a lack of sleep and bemoaning an inability to keep New Year's resolutions. Tweets relating to guilt are nearly five times higher than average on the first Monday in January as people head back to work and realise their good intentions have already been forgotten.