Blue Monday

Monday mornings arrive and you may find yourself feeling a little sluggish, lacking the same spring in your step you had when you walked out of work 3 days ago – especially in January with the dark nights, cold mornings, the abandoned New Year resolutions and high credit card bills following Christmas.

Blue Monday isn’t an official holiday, but it is becoming widely accepted that the third Monday of January is the most depressing day of the year. The new year begins and Blue Monday quickly becomes a popular topic in the media – not a great holiday to be reading about or celebrating!

There are a lot of new trends you may find yourself conforming to however, this doesn’t need to be one of them…

1. Identify the problem

What is it that is creating the dark cloud over your mood? Is it your job itself? Is it time for a change? If so, do something about it, search the market, contact us – we’re here to help!

Are you still enjoying your work but there is something suppressing your motivation? A negative co-worker? Are you being challenged? Have you lost sight of your progression? Whatever it may be that is dampening your mood, tackle it head on, talk to your line manager and make your Monday morning brighter.

2. Prepare on a Friday

It may be tempting to switch off on a Friday afternoon when you are so close to the weekend, but dedicate time to create a to-do list, wrap up anything you’ve started and clear down your desk. This will make your Monday morning a lot less stressful and you will start the week with a clear head.

3. Switch off over the weekend

If possible, turn your phone off over the weekend and take a real break. Relax, unwind and make sure you go back feeling rested and refreshed.

4. Eat & Sleep

It may sound obvious, but it is unbelievable the number of people that don’t get enough sleep and skip meals. Get up 15 minutes earlier than usual, don’t leave the house rushing and stressed missing breakfast – it’s the most important meal of the day.

5. Do a good deed

Buy a colleague a coffee on your way in, or treat the office to a round of doughnuts in the afternoon. This will naturally lift office morale and brighten up your Monday!

6. Exercise

Exercise releases positive hormones that naturally lift your mood and helps you sleep.

7. Make plans

Meet an old friend after work, go to the gym, visit family – it’s important to have a balance.

8. Be positive

If something’s gone wrong at work, you may be stressed over a tight deadline, missed last months target or had negative feedback on your presentation. Whatever it may be, put it behind you, learn from it and focus on moving forward and the new challenge you’re facing.

9. Take breaks

Take regular breaks throughout the day and get away from your screen. It can be tempting to power through your lunch when work seems to be piling up, but getting away from your desk and stretching your legs will clear your head and refresh you for the afternoon. Set targets and reward employees – having incentives is known to motive employees!

10. Have fun

Create games and competitions to motivate the team. Throw yourself into your latest project, be creative. There are so many opportunities to make your weekly tasks and targets more engaging and keep you and your team focused.