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Ed Yeates ReportingThere's probably good reason why most people don't like the month of January. In fact, if you're feeling especially "down" today, a British scientist says Monday, January 23rd, calculates out as the "gloomiest" day of the year.
A psychologist from the University of Cardiff in Wales apparently came up with an equation that calculates the "downest" month, down to the "downest" day of all. While licensed clinical social worker Natalie Thornley with Valley Mental Health takes this math tongue in cheek, she says there is some logic.
Natalie Thornley: “January is a slump month. There’s really nothing to look forward to.”
What factors are in the formula? Dr. Cliff Arnall, who produced the equqtion, says the theory is based on informal research that shows by the end of January holiday spirit is gone, card bills are piling up, and well -intenioned New Year's resolutions have run into reality, and where he lives, much of the country is under a cloud of cold, damp darkness that can make you want to crawl back into bed.
Cliff Arnall says we should scoff at January, do something different. Natalie Thornley agrees.
Natalie Thornley, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, V.M.H.: "Some people just have a celebration for nothing. So if you're Alice in Wonderland, have an unbirthday. You can have an uncelebration and invite people over for no reason."
Natalie suggests something else too, like don't look at these crazy mathematical formulas. Incidentally, according to Arnall's calculations, June 23rd - a Friday - is the best day of the year.
