Tag: Blue Monday

Rethink Blue Monday: How to turn the toughest day of the year into a financial and emotional reset

Holiday cheer has faded, credit card bills have arrived, and motivation is running low; Blue Monday on 19th January is billed to be the most depressing day of the year.

But what if instead of being something to endure, it marks the start of a powerful reset? GroceryAid – a charity that provides relief in tough times for grocery workers and their families – is urging anyone struggling with money worries and emotional strain to use Blue Monday as a chance to reach out and access the wide range of support available and kickstart a happier and healthier 2026.

Mandi Leonard, Welfare Director at GroceryAid, shares top tips for accessing vital help that could change a negative date into the start of something positive:

  1. Find out if you’re eligible for free money

A quick search on grants-search.turn2us.org.uk will tell you if you could be eligible for a financial grant from a range of sources. Or if you’re one of the 2.6 million people working in the grocery industry, GroceryAid should be your first port of call. Last year the charity provided £4.6m in financial grants to help with everything from priority debts to supporting those on a reduced income due to caring responsibilities. Find out if your eligible to apply at groceryaid.org 

  1. Combine quick-impact help with long-term support 

If you’ve got money worries and are struggling to make ends meet, see if you’re eligible for a financial grant, but don’t stop there. Underpin it with money management advice and practical support to better equip you for the future. 

Check out groceryaid.org for handy budgeting tools and help managing bills or turn to StepChange and MoneyHelper for free debt advice.

  1. Don’t wait until you are at crisis point

Many people assume support is only available in extreme circumstances but it’s available long before crisis hits. If you’re experiencing an unexpected bump in the road which is affecting your financial and emotional wellbeing, it’s time to seek help now – don’t wait for a blip to turn into an emergency. 

Contact your mortgage company or energy provider to discuss payment plans when bills start to get on top of you, and look into mental health hints and tips to tackle niggles before they get bigger.

  1. Talk to your friends and family

Let’s make suffering in silence a thing of the past. Opening up to friends and family can be the first step in making a change and by being a good listener yourself, you could be the catalyst to helping someone get back on their feet.  

Most people know someone who works in the grocery industry and could potentially benefit from GroceryAid support, whether now or in the future. Be ready to spread the word about the support available.

  1. Don’t see help as a handout

There is zero shame in asking for help and it isn’t a handout. GroceryAid, for example, provides free and confidential financial, emotional and practical support to grocery workers, from shop workers to factory operators, because they help feed the nation – it is the help they have earned. 

Mandi adds: “Blue Monday doesn’t have to be something people simply get through. It can be a moment to pause, reset and take that first step towards feeling more in control.

“At GroceryAid we see time and again how reaching out early – whether for financial help, emotional support or practical advice – can make a real difference. If things feel tough right now, you’re not alone, and support is there to help you start 2026 in a stronger, more positive place.”

For more information on the free and confidential support available, visit:  groceryaid.org.uk/get-help/ or call 08088 021 122.

Mental Health Foundation: The Blue Monday myth

#BlueMonday is widely recognised as “the most depressing day of the year”. But the fact is, it’s just a myth. We all experience highs and lows in our mental health throughout the year, not just on a random Monday in January. 💜

For more about the Blue Monday myth and some of our tips on taking care of your mental health, check out our blog: https://shorturl.at/8lDnn

#MentalHealthAwareness

#MentalHealthMatters

#MentalWellbeing

#EmotionalHealth

#MentalHealthSupport

Leith Energy Hub set to host Warm Welcome Week

This January the city’s only high street energy hub is celebrating Warm Welcome Week, starting on ‘Blue Monday’ and running from 19 to 25 January.

January can be the coldest and loneliest month of the year. It’s the time of year when Warm Welcome Spaces such as Utilita’s Energy Hub are needed most. Warm Welcome Spaces are a lifeline to those who are struggling to keep warm and those feeling lonely or isolated. 

Hub Supervisor Natasha Baillie says: “Warm Welcome Week is all about raising awareness of Warm Welcome Spaces like ours, so more people can find a place of warmth and connection close to home.

“In Warm Welcome Week, we’re taking ‘Blue Monday’ back by giving it a colourful makeover. We’re asking everyone to wear warm colours and get creative with pinks, oranges, reds, and purples to chase the blues away and raise awareness of Warm Welcome Spaces.

“We don’t want anyone to feel cold or lonely this winter, which is why we are working hard to send a message that our Energy Experts are waiting to welcome you in.”

The hub aims to serve the community, offering energy advice to absolutely anyone that requires it, and the team of Energy Experts also engages in community events, as well as working with local charities. 

Natasha continues: “We want more people to know about Warm Welcome Spaces like ours. It’s a wonderful opportunity to connect with others, make new friends, and have some fun. We want everyone to know that a warm welcome is waiting for you just around the corner.

“People coming to our space say they always leave with a smile on their face. We’d love you to come along and get to know us over a cuppa. Please help us to spread the word so everyone can find our Warm Welcome Space.”

David Barclay, Warm Welcome Campaign Director, adds: “We know demand for Warm Welcome Spaces will be high again this winter, not only supporting people struggling to pay the bills but also playing a vital role in connecting communities and giving people a place of belonging.

“The dark winter days and nights of January can be extremely tough. We don’t want anyone to feel cold or alone this winter.

“We’re asking everyone to join us in Warm Welcome Week to raise awareness so more people can find a place of belonging and connection close to home and by encouraging more community spaces to become Warm Welcome Spaces.

“Everyone can get involved; whether you simply pop on an old orange bobble hat or get creative with craft or cooking, together we will chase away the blues. In Warm Welcome Week, we will create a surge of warmth and positivity in the coldest week of the coldest month.”

The Utilita Leith Energy Hub is open from Monday to Saturday at 41 Newkirkgate, Edinburgh, EH6 6AA and anyone interested in using the hub’s dedicated community space free-of-charge can book a session by emailing edinburgh@utilita.co.uk. 

See more on Utilita Energy Hubs at https://utilita.co.uk/energy-hub.

Children First urges families in Edinburgh: don’t suffer in silence over finances this Blue Monday

As festive bills start to arrive, Children First is urging families in Edinburgh not to suffer in silence and get in touch with their support line.   

January is one of the busiest times of year for Scotland’s national children’s charity. The new year can be extremely tough for families who face worries about Christmas spending and increased living costs during the colder weather.

Getting advice early can make a huge difference to families and can help address any issues before they escalate and help them back to financial health.

To get on the front foot for 2025, Children First’s expert support line team have put together some handy hints for healthier finances.

Children First support line is here to help families with budgeting, benefits, debt and energy bills. They work with parents and carers by listening to any worries they may have about their finances and then put a plan in place to navigate their difficulties.

Sinead Haddow, service manager at Children First said, “Talking about your finances can be really daunting and we understand it can cause lots of anxiety for families.

“Our friendly support line team will listen to your worries, free of judgement, and start to help you put together a plan to get back to financial health.

“When families speak to us, it may be the first time they have had a good night’s sleep in months.

“Pick up the phone to our support line today, by calling 08000 28 22 33 from 9am – 9pm, Monday to Friday or 9am – 12 noon Saturday and Sunday.

“If speaking on the phone is daunting, you can also speak to our support line via webchat on our website at https://www.childrenfirst.org.uk/supportline..

“Whatever way families want to  contact to us, we’re here to listen.”

Michelle Supple, Director of Fundraising, Children First said: “January can be a tough time for many children and families.

“Thanks to players of People’s Postcode Lottery the Children First support line can offer free, confidential, support to any family anywhere in Scotland, which many families tell us can feel like a lifeline.”

Last year, Children First helped almost 1,000 families to put £1.9 million back into their pockets through unclaimed benefits, grants and budgeting.

The charity can also provide expert support on debit and helped double the number of families in 2023-2024 to manage over £813,000 in debt.

Children First support line is here to help families across Scotland with whatever challenges they face. From mental health, money worries and online harm to struggles at school the charity’s support line can offer free help and advice thanks to funds raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery and awarded by Postcode Children Trust.

Walking boosts mental health as winter takes hold

Blue Monday sparks call for Scots to embrace walking

SCOTLAND’S national walking charity is calling on Scots to walk and wheel to beat the winter blues this Blue Monday.  

Blue Monday (Monday, 20th January) is often considered the most depressing day of the year due to a combination of financial pressure, broken New Year’s resolutions, and limited daylight.

Walking has proven to be a powerful tool for mental wellbeing, with national walking charity, Paths for All reporting 84% of Scots say they walk to improve their health and wellbeing, up from 78% in 2019 according to the 2023 National Survey of Attitudes to Walking and Wheeling in Scotland.

As well as releasing feel-good endorphins, walking and wheeling offers a chance to clear the mind, alleviate stress, and improve concentration. These benefits are especially vital during the darker winter months when Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) can take hold.

Beyond the individual benefits, walking and wheeling also play a vital role in addressing broader societal issues such as loneliness and isolation. Qualitative feedback highlights how walking fosters a sense of connection and combats feelings of loneliness, particularly for individuals who live alone or work remotely.

Kevin Lafferty, Chief Executive Officer, said: “Winter can be a particularly challenging time for mental health, but walking and wheeling are free, accessible, and effective ways to support your wellbeing.

“Taking a walk during daylight hours not only helps to boost our mood, but also provides the opportunity to connect with nature and others, both of which are vital for our mental resilience.”

Walking offers a multitude of benefits, including opportunities to enjoy local greenspaces, parks, and beaches, which can foster a sense of calm and connection to nature while incorporating physical activity into daily routines, whether walking to school, work or the shops.

Joining a local walking group or walking with friends and family can strengthen social connections, further enhancing the benefits of this simple yet powerful activity.

Encouraging more Scots to walk during winter, particularly in natural outdoor settings, is a timely reminder of how small lifestyle changes can yield big mental health benefits as well as physical.

One survey participant described walking as their “lifeline during the winter,” while another shared how a daily walk helped them better manage stress and feel more grounded.

This activity also supports Scotland’s ambition to improve overall health outcomes and reduce pressures on public services. Walking is a free and accessible activity, making it a viable solution for individuals from all walks of life, regardless of their circumstances.

Paths for All supports local projects to deliver over 850 Health Walks across Scotland. These are free, short group walks led by friendly volunteers and you can find your nearest on the paths for All website: https://www.pathsforall.org.uk/health-walks

Established in 1996, Paths for All work in partnership with 30 national organisations with a shared vision of a healthier, happier, greener Scotland, where everyone can be active every day.

For more information and resources on making walking a part of your routine, visit: 

www.pathsforall.org.uk.

Beating the blues this Blue Monday

TODAY, the third Monday in January, has been designated the most depressing day of the year. 

Dubbed ‘Blue Monday’, people can find themselves suffering from low mood, sadness, lack of motivation and anxiety which experts blame on a combination of factors like poor weather, the festivities behind us and concerns over money.

But according to wellbeing expert and author Lynn Crilly, a few simple steps can banish the Blue Monday lows, boost your mood and help focus your mind in a more positive direction.

She said: “Whilst it can be normal to feel low after the excitement of the run up to Christmas and enjoying time away from work, January can leave us feeling like everything is rather grey,” she says.

“Mondays in particular are most people’s least favourite day of the week, and with a long month stretching ahead it does feel like there are far too many in January. 

“January blues are not the same as clinical depression or a mental health disorder and they don’t interfere with everyday life,” she says. 

“But you might feel low and like you want to hide away and hibernate. You could lack the motivation for usual tasks, or feel disappointed in yourself if New Year’s resolutions haven’t gone to plan.

“It’s normal to feel sluggish after the holidays, particularly if you’ve overindulged, but a particularly low mood in January can become overwhelming if you don’t address it.

“From years of experience as well as clinical research, I know there are simple steps you can take to turn a low mood into a more positive outlook.

“If you are struggling with low mood, try not to be too hard on yourself. It is not your fault you are feeling this way and you are not the only one. If you don’t make it to the gym or that social event and you spend the odd day in front of the television, embrace it and enjoy that time to yourself.”

Forever Edinburgh Winter Campaign

Here, Lynn shares her five steps to help beat the January blues this winter

1. See the winter light

The days are shorter, and the miserable cold weather may have deterred you from leaving your house, but the natural daylight is an effective mood booster. Remind yourself that now the Winter Solstice is over, the days are getting longer. Getting outside for walks, letting natural light into your house or sitting outside when having your lunch break will all help to top up your vitamin D which the body craves.

2. Embrace winter

By the third week in January the novelty of snuggling up with a hot chocolate and a film has worn off and you’re wondering how long it will be before you can leave the house without a coat. But be persistent and shake up the ‘warm and cosy’ routine. 

Try making your home or at least your bedroom feel cosy and warm, with candles and extra blankets or even leaving up a set of fairy lights after Christmas .  You can experiment with seasonal cooking or baking or try your hand at new creative hobbies such as knitting, painting or even jigsaw puzzles can be very therapeutic for some. These things help to focus the mind as well, which is a good tool in combating negative thought patterns.

3. Make self-care a priority

It can be very easy to let the simple everyday things go out of the window but incorporating daily wins into your routine are all things we can let slip when we are feeling low. Make your bed everyday, eat healthy meals and making time for some exercise all show that you care about yourself and your home. You could also set an intention for the day which doesn’t need to be anything dramatic, but can provide a sense of accomplishment and make a difference to your mood. 

4. Trick your mind and body

Research shows that watching a feel-good film or listening to upbeat music can help your brain to release happy hormones called endorphins. These are also released when you exercise and help to reduce stress and improve your sense of wellbeing.  Make yourself a playlist of your favourite tunes and if you find mornings the hardest, have it to hand for when you get up. Plan some nights with television and some good films with yourself or better still share with friends and family.

5. Plan your social life

It can be all too easy to hibernate at this time of year but try to resist it and get in touch with friends and family to socialise. It doesn’t need to cost anything: going for a walk, an exercise class or starting a new hobby together are all things which can help combat the blues.

It is so important for your mental health not to isolate yourself but to find a balance between enjoying your own company and time and that with others.

‘Blue Monday’: Acas encourages bosses to prioritise staff mental health throughout the year

Workplace expert, Acas, is urging bosses to check in on their staff as its helpline statistics revealed a rise in mental health related calls in Autumn / Winter compared to Spring / Summer.  

The Acas helpline saw an almost 20% rise in calls on mental health in the Autumn and Winter months combined compared to the Spring and Summer months in 2024.

Blue Monday has been marked by some to be the most depressing day of the year but Acas advice is for employers to prioritise mental health throughout the year.

Acas Head of Inclusive Workplaces, Julie Dennis, said: “Awareness days are a great way to raise the profile of mental health at work but bosses should be prioritising staff mental health throughout the year.

“Employers that create an environment where staff can openly talk about their mental health are better equipped to support them at work.

“Employees should also take steps to look after their own mental health and have coping strategies in place. Acas has advice and training on how to support and manage mental health and wellbeing at work.”

Acas advice for employers on managing staff mental health include:

  • Be approachable, available and encourage team members to talk to you if they’re having problems;
  • Keep in regular contact with your team to check how they are coping;
  • Respect confidentiality and be calm, patient, supportive and reassuring if a staff member wants to have a chat about their mental health;
  • Consider whether someone may need workplace adjustments, for example working more flexibly;
  • Look after your own mental health and get support if you feel under more pressure than usual. This support could be a colleague at work, a mental health network or a counsellor; and
  • Clearly communicate the internal and external support available to staff. This can include offering practical help such as signposting to financial advice or bringing advice providers into work.

Acas advice for workers to support their own mental health and wellbeing include:

  • Talk to people you work with or friends about how you’re feeling;
  • Speak to your manager about how you’re doing, your situation, and ask what support is available;
  • Reflect on what helps you feel more positive and what does not;
  • Make time for activities you enjoy

For the full Acas advice, please see: www.acas.org.uk/mentalhealth   

Acas has a range of training courses to help employers manage mental health at work.

Psychotherapist sends Blue Monday warning

AN EDINBURGH based mental health expert has warned that the concept of Blue Monday trivialises mental wellbeing – and may do more harm than good.

As a consultant psychotherapist and co-founder of The Anchor Practice, Paul Bell and the 13-strong team of clinicians form the largest private practice of its kind in Scotland, working with children, adolescents, young adults and families.

Paul said: “I find myself increasingly concerned about how this well-meaning but misguided concept of ‘Blue Monday’ impacts our understanding of mental health.

“While the day ostensibly aims to raise awareness about mental wellness, it actually risks trivialising the complex reality of depression and mental illness.”

“The notion that depression can be predicted by a specific date on the calendar not only promotes harmful pseudoscience but potentially undermines the gravity of mental health struggles known to be increasing in Scotland – particularly among our youth.”

The Anchor Practice team witness on a daily basis the profound challenges faced by individuals grappling with mental health issues.

He added: “Scotland currently faces unprecedented challenges in child and adolescent mental health, with waiting lists for specialist services at record levels. Against this backdrop, the commercialisation of mental health through concepts like Blue Monday is particularly tone-deaf.

“When major brands use this pseudo-event for marketing campaigns – whether selling holidays, gym memberships, or wellness products – they can inadvertently contribute to a superficial understanding of mental health.

“The fundamental issue with Blue Monday lies in its oversimplification of depression.”

The original concept for Blue Monday, originally created for a travel company’s PR campaign, claimed to use a mathematical formula considering factors like weather, debt levels, and time since Christmas.

Paul said: “This pseudo-scientific approach misrepresents both seasonal and clinical depression. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a clinically recognised condition that deserves proper understanding and treatment.

“The reality is that mental health support requires sustained, long-term commitment – both at a societal and individual level.

“This means securing long term funding for Scotland’s mental health services; improving access to professional support for children and adults and promoting genuine mental health education in schools and workplaces.”

The Anchor Practice is a multi-disciplinary clinic, offering a range of evidence-based treatments, but also specialises in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy – a well-researched treatment for a variety of common mental disorders in children and adults.

Contemporary psychodynamic psychotherapy is firmly rooted in high quality research and informed by contemporary understandings of neuroscience and developmental psychology.

Delivered by highly trained and regulated clinicians, psychodynamic therapy can provide sustained results, promoting deep, lasting change beyond symptom management.

LifeCare invites the local community to celebrate one year of Chatty Cafe

Are you looking to get out and about and meet new people?  Then we hope you will join us 11am – 1pm on Monday 13th January at LifeCare’s warm and welcoming community cafe, CafeLife (2 Cheyne Street), as we celebrate the 1st birthday of our Chatty Cafe and help turn Blue Monday into Brew Monday.  

Enjoy coffee, tea, cake and conversation as we bring the community together round our Chatter and Natter Table.  

We’re incredibly proud of all we have achieved this year and hope you can join us to celebrate!

Chatty Cafe is funded by the National Lottery Community Fund.

Samaritans: The Blue Monday Myth

The myth that the third Monday of January is the ‘most depressing day of the year’ seems to pop up every year and we’ve honestly had enough of it. It’s just a completely made up marketing gimmick – there’s no science to back it up!

Our bad days aren’t for the calendar to decide and people can feel low any time of the year, but checking in with our friends and having a proper chat can make a real difference. It’s a small but mighty way we can all look out for each other 💚

Get your cuppas at the ready, and help us kick the myth of ‘Blue Monday’ to the curb where it belongs by joining us for ✨Brew Monday ☕ instead.

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