Blue Monday 2023 is now on the horizon.   No sooner had you skipped out of the office for a luxurious two-week Christmas break when the Blue Monday shadow descends. Added to the gloom of post-Christmas credit card bills, we now have to rise at dawn to face the tube scrum, a jam-packed inbox and endless insurmountable tasks. if it’s all getting a bit much – read on for my tips on how to thrive on the most depressing day of the year.

When is Blue Monday 2023?

Blue Monday typically falls on the third Monday of January but can also fall on the 2nd or 4th January. In 2023, Blue Monday will fall on Monday 16 January.

Why do we celebrate this day?

The term Blue Monday was first coined by UK travel company Sky Travel in a press release that was issued in 2005. The day reflects our financial struggles following the Christmas excess, the dismal weather and the weight of our already failed New Year’s Resolutions. All of these factors conspire to bring our mood down in the most depressing day of the year.

Blue Monday 2023 ideas for positive mental health

Mentally prepare:  Making small changes to your routine before Blue Monday arrives can change your mind-set come the end of the weekend.  Taking the time to tidy your desk at home or locker (if you hot desk) can make you feel mentally more in control of your workload.  Picturing a clean and tidy work station will help to give you a positive boost and instantly feel more capable of the challenges ahead.

Plan a lunchtime escape: As your mind becomes bogged down in the minutiae of meetings, gym visits and budget forecasts, it’s all too easy to forget about the fun side of life.  Planning a lunchtime escape will provide an instant mood booster,  helping to break up the week and reward you for your efforts so far.

Plan a dream holiday: It’s worth keeping in mind that Blue Monday occurs when many of us are starting a fresh annual leave calendar. In addition to your main summer holiday, remember to plan in some shorter office breaks to look forward to in the coming months. Depending on budget, this could be a day trip, long weekend or short break to Europe.  Anticipation is the key to pleasure and planning your next dream holiday is a timely reminder that you’re working to live not living to work.

Go out on a Sunday night: To avert the sinking feeling many experience on Sundays – you need to consider how you spend your Sunday nights.  If you’re serially stuck in front of Call the Midwife, maybe it’s time to press record and venture out once in a while. Take advantage of quieter restaurants to help you stay feeling relaxed and removed from the onslaught to come.

Slow things down: Whether battling the rush hour or racing to meet deadlines, the frantic pace of the working week can feel like a constant race against the clock.  The Slow Movement has been pioneered to combat the stressful impacts of a life stuck on speed dial.  By staying in the moment and focusing on one task at a time, life instantly appears more manageable.  To calm a racing mind, focus instead on savouring the flavours of a simple home-cooked meal or the warming sensations of a reviving soak in the bath.

How do you spend your Sunday nights?  Share your thoughts!