A new survey by British Gas asked over 2,000 Britons how they’re coping during winter months.
The results?
Norwich takes the unfortunate crown as the most miserable city in the UK.
Winter really hits different depending on where you live in the UK.
And if you’re in Norwich, it apparently hits harder than anywhere else.
More than a quarter of residents in the East Anglian city say they feel properly depressed in January.
That’s one in four people admitting the winter blues are getting to them badly.
Where else made the top ten?
Stoke and Swansea tied for second place, with 24 per cent of residents in each city saying they struggle in January.
After that comes Manchester at 21 per cent.
Then Edinburgh, Glasgow and Oxford all sit at 16 per cent each.
Bristol, Plymouth and Cambridge round out the list at 15 per cent.
Notice London didn’t make the cut? Interesting, that.
More news:
Why do so many people feel rubbish in January?
More than four in ten people surveyed said they feel more depressed in January than any other month.
The main culprits?
Terrible weather and barely any daylight.
One in four people specifically said knowing warmer weather is still months away really gets them down.
Half admitted this time of year makes them more irritable too.
There's actual science behind it
The type of depression linked to seasonal changes is called Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD.
Scientists reckon it’s probably caused by reduced sunlight exposure during winter.
Changing light patterns mess with your circadian rhythm, which is basically your body clock.
When that gets thrown off, it affects everything from your appetite to your mood.
Sun deprivation has been linked to disturbed sleep, obesity, depression and even cancer. Not exactly a fun list.
What the experts say
Dr Becky Spelman, a psychologist, explained: “January is often one of the hardest months of the year for many people across the UK.
Seasonal Affective Disorder is linked to reduced exposure to natural light, which can affect the body’s internal clock and the hormones that regulate mood and sleep.”
She stressed this isn’t about being weak. It’s a completely normal human response to environmental changes you can’t control.
“Even people who do not meet the criteria for SAD often experience a milder version of the winter blues,” she added.
How can you actually help yourself?
Dr Spelman recommends getting outside during daylight hours, even if it’s just briefly.
It can genuinely support your mood and energy levels.
Creating a warm, cosy environment matters too. Soft lighting, warm drinks and comfortable spaces can have a real psychological impact.
She also suggests cutting down on doom scrolling through your phone.
Prioritise a regular bedtime and stick to a gentle daily routine.
Feeling physically warm, relaxed and safe helps regulate your emotions and reduce stress. Sometimes it really is that simple.
If you found this interesting, please share!
Disclaimer: Content on this page is for informational purposes and does not constitute financial advice. Always do your own research before making a financially related decision.
