January 20th 2025, Blue Monday, marks a date often referred to as the ‘saddest day of the year’
Why do so many people struggle with Blue Monday?
January 20th, 2025, marks a date often referred to as the ‘saddest day of the year’, Blue Monday. This day is said to be the most difficult time for mental well-being, people feeling the cumulative feeling of post-Christmas blues and the long winter stretch.
The UK, in particular, sees a sharp increase in mentions of Blue Monday every January. This is due to several reasons:
- Winter weather: The UK’s often gloomy and cold winters can lead to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), where lack of sunlight causes dips in mood and energy.
- Christmas financial hangover: Consumers tend to overspend during Christmas, leading to financial strain and regret in January.
- Return to routine: The break from work during Christmas can make the return to a structured work schedule feel overwhelming, contributing to the feeling of dread.
- Social isolation: Winter months are generally a time when people stay in more, reducing social interactions, which can increase feelings of loneliness or isolation.
But what can we do to tackle the challenges this day presents?
Methods you can take to tackle Blue Monday
Connect and Share – One of the most powerful ways to combat the emotional weight of Blue Monday is to connect and share with friends, family or colleagues. Social interaction has a big impact on our mental health, and reaching out to loved ones, or colleagues about personal struggles can significantly improve your outlook.
Move and Groove – We can combat the effects of Blue Monday through physical activity. Moving your body, however big or small can help to improve your mental and physical health by increasing your endorphins and natural mood-boosters, as well provide you with a sense of accomplishment when you complete your exercise.
Nourish Your Body – When the weight of the post-Christmas blues leave you feeling low, one of the simplest yet most effective ways to combat this are to nourish your body with mood boosting foods, nutritional meals and staying hydrated with plenty of water.
Dive Into Hobbies – Get stuck into hobbies that fulfill you and make plans that excite you. Even small outings such as a movie night, a weekend away or a new adventure can infuse joy into your life. Engaging in activities you enjoy can be a great escape from stress.
How you can help in the workplace: Creating a Supportive Environment
Many employees may struggle with stress and burnout during the early weeks of the year. Studies show that an average of 18 million work days per year in the UK are lost to mental health conditions.
The Vault is an exclusive service packed with a variety of assets made to support employers and HR managers. This includes an array of carefully crafted posters and infographics intended to promote workplace wellness, including methods on how to tackle Blue Monday.
Interested in finding out more? Register for the Vault >> https://www.thevault.latusgroup.co.uk
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