{"id":649,"date":"2024-01-15T09:01:45","date_gmt":"2024-01-15T09:01:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.lboro.ac.uk\/wellbeing\/?p=649"},"modified":"2024-01-17T16:14:26","modified_gmt":"2024-01-17T16:14:26","slug":"blue-monday-an-opportunity-to-reflect-and-recharge","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.lboro.ac.uk\/wellbeing\/2024\/01\/15\/blue-monday-an-opportunity-to-reflect-and-recharge\/","title":{"rendered":"Blue Monday: An opportunity to reflect and recharge"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Illustration<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

January 15 marks Blue Monday \u2013 the name given to a day in January, that is supposedly the saddest day of the year due to a combination of post-festive bills, little sunlight, cold weather and the abandonment of New Year resolutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This time of year can bring a sense of melancholy, but let’s approach it not as a hurdle to overcome but as an opportunity to reflect and recharge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Embrace self-care<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

On a day that might feel a bit heavier than usual, prioritise self-care. Take a break, indulge in activities that bring you joy, and recharge your mental and emotional batteries. Whether it’s a warm bath, a good book, or your favourite film, make time for something that makes you feel good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can find useful self-care tips in our Stress Awareness blog.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Connect with others<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Share how you\u2019re feeling with friends, family, or colleagues. You’d be surprised to find that others may be experiencing similar emotions. Connecting with others not only provides support but also creates a sense of community, reminding us that we’re not alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Find out more about the benefits of connecting with others in our blog \u20185 Ways to Wellbeing: Connect<\/a>\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Set realistic goals<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Instead of overwhelming yourself with unrealistic expectations, set small, achievable goals for the day. Completing these tasks provides a sense of accomplishment and helps to counteract the Monday blues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take Blue Monday as a chance to reflect on the first few weeks of the year and how new resolutions have gone. Dr Ian Taylor, a psychologist at Loughborough University, explained how those who use Blue Monday as a time to reflect on resolutions are actually much more likely to stick to them.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mindful moments<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Incorporate mindfulness into your day. Take a few moments to breathe deeply, appreciate the present, and let go of any negativity. Mindfulness can be a powerful tool in navigating through challenging emotions, helping to cultivate a more positive outlook.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Have a go at these online LU Arts mindfulness workshops with Loughborough University Fine Art graduate Grace Stones.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can also download a printable version of the LU Arts Mindfulness Colouring Book<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Looking ahead<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Blue Monday is just one day on the calendar. Take a moment to reflect on the bigger picture and the opportunities that lie ahead. By focusing on the future and setting positive intentions, we can turn this day into a stepping stone toward a brighter and more optimistic week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Support<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are struggling for any reason, there are services and resources we encourage staff to use if they need any wellbeing support:<\/p>\n\n\n\n