Blue Monday: Let’s Be Honest About It

Blue Monday has a reputation.The most depressing day of the year.

Every January, it pops up with gloomy headlines and well-meaning advice that usually sounds something like: stay positive, go for a walk, light a candle. And while none of those things are bad, they don’t always feel very… realistic.

At Treat Your Staff, we like to do things a little differently. Because for many people, January really can feel heavy - not because of a formula involving weather and paydays, but because we’re tired. We’re easing back into routines, finding our focus again, and doing it all while it’s still dark by late afternoon.

So instead of labelling today as “the worst day of the year”, we prefer to see Blue Monday as something else entirely: a gentle check-in.

Not a day to fix everything. Not a day to force positivity. Just a moment to notice how you’re actually feeling - and what might help, even a little.

If you’re feeling low, you’re not broken

Let’s get this out of the way first. Feeling flat, unmotivated, or slightly disconnected right now doesn’t mean something is wrong with you. It’s a very normal response to a very human season.

And if you’re not feeling low today? That’s completely fine too. There’s no requirement to feel blue just because the calendar says so.

Wellbeing isn’t about fitting into a box. It’s about flexibility, compassion, and allowing people to show up as they are - especially during slower, heavier months.

January doesn’t need a makeover

This time of year is full of pressure to transform. New habits. New routines. A brand-new version of yourself.

But when energy is low, big overhauls can feel overwhelming - and often, that’s when they quietly fall apart. Instead of aiming for dramatic change, January is a much better time for small, realistic shifts.

Lowering expectations can be surprisingly powerful. Some days, simply getting through the to-do list is enough. Some days, replying to emails, showing up to meetings, or maintaining a sense of calm is the win. Productivity doesn’t always need to be loud to be meaningful.

The same goes for movement. It doesn’t have to mean intense workouts or pushing through exhaustion. A stretch at your desk, standing up between calls, or a short walk to clear your head all count. Even a few minutes can help reset both body and mind.

And then there’s rest - the kind we often skip without realising. A proper lunch break. A few deep breaths between meetings. Stepping outside for fresh air. Or a moment of physical relaxation, like a chair massage, that releases tension you didn’t even know you were holding. These pauses aren’t indulgent; they’re essential.

Talking about it helps

Blue Monday can also be a helpful excuse to open up conversations around mental health at work, without turning them into something heavy or uncomfortable.

A simple check-in, a bit more patience, or space to acknowledge that January can be tough goes a long way. You don’t need all the answers. Often, just feeling seen and heard is enough.

When workplaces create an environment where people don’t have to pretend they’re fine, trust grows. And with trust comes stronger teams, better collaboration, and a culture where people feel genuinely supported.

A softer way forward

Blue Monday doesn’t need fixing.It needs softening.

Less pressure. More understanding. Fewer expectations. More care for ourselves and for each other.

So wherever you’re at today, we hope you give yourself permission to take things gently. January is a slow burn, not a sprint. And if you’d like a little extra support along the way, we’re always here.