Stuck in January gloom? Turn your commute into a Blue Monday reset
Well, it’s here. Today (Monday 19th January) is officially the most depressing day of the year. It’s what’s become known as Blue Monday. Dark evenings, cold miserable weather and post-Christmas fatigue collide.
But, while much focus is put on how you can stave off those winter blues at home and at work, new research from Leasing.com suggests there’s one largely overlooked moment that could play a powerful role in lifting your mood: your commute home.
Our poll of 2,000 UK drivers found the average commute now lasts 28 minutes, with most journeys made by private car.
Rather than being “dead time”, this daily drive is increasingly becoming a valuable window for decompression — especially on days like Blue Monday, when mental load and motivation can feel particularly strained.
Nearly half of drivers (47%) say they listen to music on the way home. Of those, 26% choose upbeat, loud tracks to release stress, while 21% opt for slower, more relaxing music. Others use the journey to listen to podcasts or audiobooks (9%), sit in silence (7%), or talk to friends and family (5%).
According to wellbeing and behavioural change expert Louise Baverstock-Price, what matters most isn’t what you choose — but whether you choose it intentionally. “Mentally continuing work during the commute often prevents the brain from switching into recovery mode,” she explains. “Even if the body is moving away from work, the mind stays there, which can prolong stress and make it harder to unwind in the evening.”
On Blue Monday, when many people already feel emotionally drained, using the commute as a clear transition point can make a real difference. Music can help regulate mood, podcasts can provide distraction, and conversations can create emotional connection — but only if they don’t keep stress levels high.
Interestingly, just 7% of drivers sit in silence, yet this may be one of the most effective ways to reset. Louise suggests simple techniques such as focusing on breathing, noticing physical contact points like hands on the steering wheel, or mentally “leaving” unfinished work in the car. These moments of quiet allow the nervous system to settle, acting as a natural buffer between work and home.
Repeated habits like these are known as “anchors” — consistent actions that signal to the brain that the working day is over. Over time, a specific playlist, a favourite podcast, or even a few minutes of mindful silence can train the brain to switch off more easily.
As Blue Monday highlights the importance of protecting mental wellbeing, it’s worth remembering that beating the winter blues doesn’t always require big lifestyle changes.
Sometimes, it starts with something simple: using your commute home not just to get from A to B, but to give yourself permission to mentally clock off — one drive at a time.
Survey methodology
Survey: 2,000 UK adults, drivers. Leasing.com via OnePoll. You can find the full findings here.
