10 songs to beat the winter blues

In pop psychology, the third Monday of January, or Blue Monday, is considered to be the saddest day of the year.

While this claim has no basis in science, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), known colloquially as the winter blues, is real. It's a form of depression that happens in a seasonal pattern, typically during the winter months when there's less daylight.

If you suffer from SAD, getting outside during daylight hours is said to be therapeutic. If that's not always possible, light therapy (the use of lamps that mimic the effects of sunlight) is another treatment to consider.

We're here with a third option: music.

Below, our writers recommend 10 songs that are sure to turn your frown upside down until your hibernation is over.

What's your mood-boosting jam? Let us know in the comments.

'Up Top,' Busty and the Bass

When you're down in the dumps, there's nowhere to go but up. This soulful tune from Busty and the Bass will propel your ascent with jolts of brass and the promise that "if it's rocky, I'll make it smooth." — Robert Rowat

'Man! I Feel Like a Woman!,' Shania Twain

While there's no definitive cure for the blues, I believe the closest remedy we have is Shania Twain saying, "Let's go, girls." — Melody Lau

'10%,' Kaytranada feat. Kali Uchis

"I wake up, it's so good to be me/ in the mirror, it's good to see me," sings Kali Uchis on Kaytranada's groovy ode to banishing bad vibes and putting oneself first. — Natalie Harmsen

'Green Garden,' Laura Mvula

"Take me outside, sit in the green garden," Laura Mvula sings atop a bright xylophone melody and energizing handclaps that slowly build this song to exaltation. The imagery is perfectly transportative on a dark, wintry day, and Mvula's voice is all the sunshine you'll need. — Holly Gordon

'Something Good Can Work,' Two Door Cinema Club

Thirteen years ago, three Irish lads created the perfect remedy for dreary slumps: the almost cloyingly sweet synths and bombastic drums of "Something Good Can Work" hit like a wall, refusing to let sadness or self-doubt creep in. — Kelsey Adams

'Bedroom Calling,' Chromeo, the-Dream

There's no better feeling than infatuation with a new love interest, and that's the focus of this effusive, rejuvenating, adorably dorky banger from the-Dream and Chromeo: "First I had no clue about you/ now I'm all brand new about you." — RR

'Number One Fan,' Muna

On the day when the negative voices in your head may be at their loudest, it's important to channel this Muna track by looking in the mirror and cheering yourself on — be your own No. 1 fan. — ML

'Put Your Records On,' Corinne Bailey Rae

A timeless song that tastes like summertime, "Put Your Records On" combines sunny lyricism and a mellow, yet uplifting, horn-tinged melody. — NH

'Cool,' Jayda G remix of Dua Lipa

While Dua Lipa's original sparkles enough to make this list on its own, Jayda G's "Cool" remix adds just the right amount of oomph to transform this into an instant dance-floor classic. The percussion and amped-up beat radiate enough heat to melt whatever snow is headed your way. — HG

'Magic,' Kylie Minogue

During the dark days of winter, it's tempting to escape under the covers, but who needs sleep when the dance floor beckons? "Tomorrow don't matter," Kylie Minogue sings in the chorus of this disco earworm, "we'll make the night last forever." — RR