How to Beat Blue Monday Feelings All Year Round

Said to be one of the most depressing days of the year, this week marked Blue Monday. We’re still feeling that post-Christmas slump, the weather has been gloomy and cold, and payday seems a lifetime away. It can bring emotions of sadness and a lack of motivation. So how do we tackle those Blue Monday feelings all year round? Perhaps you get the Sunday Scaries where you’re dreading going back to work in the morning. You’re not alone as a LinkedIn survey reported that 80 per of professionals have this same experience. There are a number of tips to help.

Firstly, and most importantly, truly look at your current job and assess if you’re happy. We spend much of our time at work and if it’s bringing you down then potentially consider a change. Is there a new avenue you’d like to go down? Have you always had a dream job you’ve been longing to pursue? Those feelings of dread going into the office could be the motivation you need. We’ve shared previous blogs about ‘Career Cushioning’ to bolster your CV before making a jump, and perhaps it’s time to weigh up what makes you happy in the workplace.

If you’re content in your current job but have those dips where you’re feeling glum, there are a number of ways to beat this. With the post-Christmas Blue Monday where motivation is low, set realistic resolutions that give you something to work towards. Is there a project or idea you’d like to pursue in the office, or a personal challenge you’d like to set? Whether that’s doing something for charity or exploring a new travel destination, having a list of resolutions is a great way to help you feel motivated. Don’t be hard on yourself though if you can’t complete them all, there’s still plenty more time in the future.

Take care of yourself. You’d be surprised at how many benefits you’ll reap from eating well to exercising more. Fatigue will be reduced, you’ll feel more energised and your overall health will be improved. From eating your five a day to drinking more water, and hitting 10,000 steps a day, you’ll be amazed at how much difference these changes will make.

Make the most of daylight. In January when it’s wet and cold it’s easy for us to stay indoors all day. This lack of natural sunlight can affect our mental health, especially for those with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). If you work from home, move your desk space closer to a window to get some exposure to the outdoors, or take a break at lunchtime and go for a walk to get some fresh air - armed with a coat and umbrella of course! If you are one of the two million people in the UK that suffer from SAD, then you can buy specialist lamps that can help with this too.

One of many things the pandemic taught us is the importance of human connection. Calling a family member, going for a coffee with a friend, or taking a break with a colleague at work, can make a great difference to our mood. If you’re having a bad day they can lift your spirits or if you just wanted some company for a short time, it can certainly boost how you’re feeling.

It’s ok to have days where you don’t feel 100% all the time. We’re only human after all. These tips along with your own personal ways to tackle tough days are a good starting point for improving your mood. Some companies also have Employee Assistant Programmes which can be a solution if these feelings are consistent and you’re looking for professional advice.

At Omega, we work with a wide number of clients who have a great reputation for providing quality well-being programmes in the workplace. We offer a range of temporary, contract and permanent opportunities, in partnership with leading employers in the Engineering, Aerospace, Automotive, Electronics, Defence, Scientific, Oil & Gas, Logistics and Manufacturing sectors. Speak to our team on 01453 827333 to see how we can help you or visit our website to view our latest opportunities.