If you’re not quite brave enough to wear colourful clothes to work, here is your chance to dazzle. Workers are being challenged to dress in bright shades to help combat what many believe to be the most miserable day of the year – ‘blue Monday’. The third Monday of January – this year January 20 – is said to be the most depressing day of the year, thanks to a combination of bad weather, increased debt and poor diet in the aftermath of the festive season. A poll by charity Mental Health Research UK found one in five of us will not wear bright clothes to work because we think others believe they are less professional. The research also found women are much more likely to be adventurous than men, with 36 per cent saying they wear bright outfits, compared to 24 per cent of men. But the charity is calling on members of the public to wear colourful clothes as part of its Blooming Monday campaign. The campaign aims to raise awareness of depression and seasonal affective disorder, which particularly prevalent in the winter months because it is caused by a lack of sunlight. It is also aiming to raise money for research into treatment. Dr Laura Davidson, a mental health barrister and trustee of the charity, said: ‘Whilst wearing bright colours will not prevent depression, or SAD, plenty of research links mood and colour. ‘The perception that wearing dark colours in the workplace equates to professionalism is a fallacy. Clearly we need a culture change in the workplace. 'Mental Health Research UK urges employers to make a start in changing perceptions and lifting mood by taking part in Blooming Monday. We hope they'll embrace our call to brighten up for the day, and to transform the commute to work into a kaleidoscope of colour. 'Blooming Monday will encourage discussion about mental health and help to break down the stigma attached to it. 'It's a simple ask: that everyone wears their brightest clothes on one of the dullest days of the year.' Via: Dailymail
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