Banish Blue Monday by making it a Brew Monday

17th Jan '26 - UKTIA

New survey shows two thirds need a cuppa to tackle the day ahead

• 33% say tea eases their stress and anxiety
• 59% say tea gives them comfort
• 27% say tea boosts their mood

People can fight the urge to give in to Blue Monday – officially the most depressing day of the year – simply by enjoying a warming cuppa and a natter.

That’s the advice of The Samaritans[1] who are promoting the Brew Monday campaign to get people talking over a warming cuppa and even a biscuit or two.

According to a new survey analysed by the Tea Advisory Panel (TAP; teaadvisorypanel.com),^[2] more than six in 10 British adults admit they need to wake up to a cuppa to tackle their day ahead. As well as this, a third report that tea eases stress and anxiety while more than half (59%) say a cuppa gives them comfort.

Dietitian Dr Carrie Ruxton, from the Tea Advisory Panel, says: “It may have started out as a marketing ploy to sell holidays, but Blue Monday really does describe how we feel at this the time of year when Christmas is over and we’re in the midst of awful weather.

“Poor light, low vitamin D levels and too little exercise affect our mood and energy levels during the winter according to studies. But nearly a third of people have already twigged that a simple cup of tea can naturally boost mood, according to the Tea Advisory Panel survey.

Dr Ruxton explains: “Tea is nature’s destressor thanks to three compounds in the tea plant which are released when we make a brew. Firstly, black, and green teas contain plant polyphenols which relax and open up the blood vessel which supply the brain, leading to an influx of nutrients and oxygen. Secondly, black tea contains a unique substance called L-theanine which makes us feel calm and focussed at the same time. Thirdly, there’s a small amount of caffeine in tea – just enough to give us an energy boost”.

A study from Japan published in the journal, Scientific Reports[3], found that drinking more green tea was linked to improved happiness. When compared with non-drinkers, people who sipped four or more cups a day experienced significantly better happiness scores – this was independent of social interactions.

Another research review concluded that both black and green teas can help manage low mood and depression if people drink them regularly[4].

Dr Carrie Ruxton adds: “Don’t give in to Blue Monday. Instead, make it a day for catching up with friends – even by email or social media – and putting on the kettle for a warming brew”.