Long dark nights (37%), freezing weather (54%), Christmas being a distant memory (29%) and a lack of motivation (24%) were voted the worst things about January in the study
According to new research, as many as 69% of Brits are currently suffering from winter blues, with 38% saying this winter feels even more depressing than last.
Long dark nights (37%), freezing weather (54%), Christmas being a distant memory (29%) and a lack of motivation (24%) were voted the worst things about January.
Although, it’s not all bad, because almost half (49%) of the 2,000 Britons, who were surveyed by MSC Cruises, have a list of ways to stay upbeat, during the most depressing month of the year.
The poll found eating a whole bar of chocolate alone, is the top remedy for SAD, with almost half (47%) admitting it’s their go-to mood booster when spirits are low.
Close behind, 41% said they cheer themselves up by getting cosy and turning the heating up, while the exact same number confessed there’s nothing like booking a sunny holiday to give them something to look forward to.
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Fresh air still plays its part, with a third (33%) saying a crisp winter walk, wrapped up warm, helps lift their mood. Meanwhile, simple comforts reign supreme, from pulling on cosy socks (29%) and ordering a favourite takeaway (24%) to binge-watching a beloved comedy (23%) or re-watching a much-loved film (21%).
And it’s not all about going out or spending big. Many Brits prefer small, homely joys, such as cuddling up with the dog, making a hot chocolate piled high with whipped cream, or tucking into hot buttered crumpets.
Overall, 20% of the nation joke weekly about moving to another country in January, with 56% saying they love a bit of winter sun, and 19% saying it helps to have something sunny to look forward to.
When it comes to the perfect winter sun temperature, the majority said they would be happy with a tepid 23%, enough to go out in t-shirt and shorts.
MSC Cruises is championing feeling better in January by developing the ‘Sunbrella’, which is being trialled before being rolled out to sun starved Brits. The cutting-edge umbrella incorporates SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) lamp technology, letting users shield themselves from the rain while enjoying a warm glow and serotonin lift on even the gloomiest winter days.
Antonio Paradiso, VP of International Sales at MSC Cruises, said: “Our research shows just how much people are longing for sunshine this winter. The Sunbrella is a playful and eye-catching way to bring that feeling to life, but nothing compares to the real thing. “
For those seeking an escape from Britain’s winter greyness, MSC Cruises offers a wide range of winter sun holidays. With prices starting from just £449 per person to the Caribbean on the 2nd March 2026 aboard MSC Seaside, now is the perfect time to book your sunshine escape.
Other ways to beat the winter blues, according to those surveyed, was ordering a big takeaway, buying a lottery ticket and meditating.
25 ways to beat the winter blues, according to Brits
1. Eat a bar of chocolate to yourself – 47%
2. Turn the heating up and cosy up inside – 41%
3. Book a sunshine holiday – 41%
4. Go on a crisp wintery walk, wrapped up warm – 33%
5. Wear cosy socks – 29%
6. Book an exciting City break – 28%
7. Order your favourite takeaway – 24%
8. Binge watch your favourite comedy – 23%
9. Re-watch your all-time favourite film – 21%
10. Enjoy a bag of sweets to yourself – 21%
11. Cuddle up with your dog – 20%
12. Make a hot chocolate with whipped cream – 20%
13. Tuck into hot buttered crumpets – 15%
14. Enjoy a long soak in a bubble bath – 14%
15. Have a sort out of your cupboards and wardrobes -14%
16. Blast out your favourite song on full volume – 14%
17. Hit the gym and work up a sweat – 13%
18. Cook a big roast with all the trimmings – 13%
19. Re-read your all-time favourite book – 12%
20. Buy yourself some new clothes – 9%
25. Look through old photos – 8%
