Nearly seven in ten Britons are suffering from the winter blues, with 38% saying this year feels even more depressing than last, according to a new survey of 2,000 adults by MSC Cruises. The poll identified the worst aspects of January, including freezing weather (54%), long dark nights (37%), Christmas being a distant memory (29%), and lack of motivation (24%).
Despite the gloom, almost half (49%) of respondents have strategies to stay upbeat. Eating a whole chocolate bar alone is the top remedy, cited by 47%, followed by getting cosy with the heating up (41%) and booking a sunny holiday (41%). Fresh air also helps, with 33% enjoying a crisp winter walk wrapped up warm.
Simple comforts are popular: cosy socks (29%), a favourite takeaway (24%), binge-watching a comedy (23%), or rewatching a beloved film (21%). Small joys like cuddling a dog, making hot chocolate, or eating hot buttered crumpets also feature. Overall, 20% joke weekly about moving abroad in January, and 56% crave winter sun.
MSC Cruises has developed a 'Sunbrella' incorporating SAD lamp technology to provide a warm glow on gloomy days. Antonio Paradiso, VP of International Sales, said: 'Our research shows just how much people are longing for sunshine this winter.' The company offers winter sun holidays from £449 per person to the Caribbean.
