Blue Monday: while the “most depressing day” is a recurring phenomenon, half of the Hungarians surveyed are still making conscious plans for 2026

A recent survey by Generali Biztosító, conducted in December 2025 with the participation of 1,000 people, shows that despite the winter grayness and gloomy mood, Hungarians are significantly part of the respondents started 2026 with conscious, forward-looking plans.

We plan even during the most difficult period of winter – half of those surveyed made a New Year’s resolution

According to the survey, 50% of respondents aged 16–75 made a resolution for 2026. The vast majority focus on areas that are closely related to the topics reinforced by Blue Monday:

• physical health,

• mental well-being,

• financial awareness.

In addition, a good part of the respondents plan to travel more this year than last; and working on family, friends and relationships is also among the more popular resolutions. According to Generali’s research, improving mental health is considered particularly important by the Hungarians surveyed: young adults (16–29 years old) and people over 60 were overrepresented among those making vows – two age groups that, although in different life situations, still identify strengthening mental stability as a common need.

Financial vows: all age groups consider emergency reserves to be a priority

Financial goals show a specific, practical direction among those surveyed:

• most planned to reduce their expenses (46%)

• and increase their savings (34%),

• and nearly a quarter of respondents are thinking about new, regular monthly savings.

According to the insurance company’s research, the number one goal of every generation, regardless of age, is to have a financial reserve that provides security in unexpected situations.

For those raising children under 18, this is accompanied by a second, equally strong motivation:

financing the children’s future and building savings funds.

In addition to these, according to the research, the goal of respondents setting aside savings for retirement is also high, and travel and experiences are also in the top half of the list can be found.

Although the original mathematical background of Blue Monday has been much debated, the role of the concept has changed significantly in recent years: it has grown into a period of social discourse that gives space to the topics of mental health, psychological resilience and planning for the year.

Based on the results of Generali’s research, it is clear:

Instead of the January downturn, the Hungarians surveyed are looking ahead – focusing on the very areas that Blue Monday also puts in the spotlight.