It's Blue Monday!

It's okay, even if it's Blue Monday. There are still plenty of things to be thankful for and to look forward to. Let's focus on those things and put a positive spin on the day. Maybe some ideas in this blog will give you some ideas on how to do just that, and turn the day into a positive and productive one! 

What is Blue Monday?

Blue Monday is a term used to refer to the third Monday of January, which is often referred to as the most depressing day of the year. This is because people often have to return to work after the festive period, the weather is usually cold and dark, and people’s bank accounts are often still recovering from all the holiday spending.

Survival tips

To help get through Blue Monday, we have a few general tips:

• Stay active: Exercise helps to boost your mood, so try something simple like getting out for a walk, going on a bike ride, or even doing a quick workout. This can help to take your mind off any negative thoughts and give you a sense of accomplishment.

• Reach out to friends and family: Talking to friends and family can be a great distraction, and you might find that you can connect with someone who is feeling the same way. Even if you don’t have anyone to talk to, there are plenty of helplines and online forums that are there to support you.

• Make a plan: Having something to look forward to can make all the difference. Plan something exciting for the future, whether it's a holiday, a night out with friends, or just something to look forward to at the end of the day.

• Take time for yourself: Self-care is so important and taking time to relax and unwind can help to lift your mood. Take a hot bath, read a book, or watch a movie—whatever helps you to relax.

• Focus on the positives: Try to focus on the good things in your life, even if it’s something small. This can help to give you a sense of perspective and remind you that things aren’t as bad as they seem.

Getting through the working day

To get through the working day during Blue Monday, it’s important to take care of yourself and practice self-care. Here are some top tips to help you cope:

• Make time for something positive. This could be as simple as taking a walk at break time, listening to your favourite music while you work, or just taking a few minutes to relax and read a book at lunchtime.

• Connect with others. Reach out to colleagues and make time for socializing. Talking to people can help to make you feel less isolated and more connected.

• Get enough sleep. This is a tough one but, make sure you’re getting the recommended 8 hours of sleep each night to help keep your mood and energy levels up.

If you’re job hunting during Blue Monday, it’s important to remember to take regular breaks and be kind to yourself. Try to focus on one step at a time and celebrate the small successes as you go.

How employers can help

Employers can help their staff during Blue Monday by offering flexible working hours, as well as providing mental health support and advice. They could also consider organising a team activity that involves socialising and getting outside, such as a walking lunch or a picnic in the park. It’s also important to offer an open and supportive environment where employees feel comfortable talking about their mental health, and to recognise that everyone can be affected by Blue Monday in different ways.

Here at People Solutions, we have support in place for all of our colleagues and we make sure that our people know how they can access this whenever they might need it. We also have planned some activities that will help our people feel like part of the team and set some time to focus on the positives the year has to offer.

If you're looking for a new challenge this year and want to join a company whose people really are at the centre of what we do, make sure you check out our vacancies now.  Or if you are an employer looking for help with expanding your teams get in touch now at hello@peoplesolutions.co.uk and we can create a hiring plan that includes ways to build a happy and productive workforce.