We know that January can be a tough time for some people especially with Blue Monday right around the corner, however, it can also be a time of new beginnings and making positive decisions for the year ahead.
As we are approaching the third Monday in January, we thought we could share our top tips to start the next week right and turn Blue Monday into a day you love instead of loathe!
Don’t sit still
OK, so incorporating some exercise into your day may seem like a struggle at first, but we promise you’ll feel better for it afterwards, thanks to, endorphins. Something as simple as walking to work, taking the stairs, or going for a quick jog is often enough to snap out of a slump.
Find the light
It’s January, and that can only mean one thing: you probably haven’t seen the sun in a while. Lack of natural sunlight not only affects your mood, but also limits the amount of vitamin D your body produces. So, whether you make it your goal to get outside as much as possible, or just incorporate some much-needed vitamin D into your diet, soaking up the sunlight could do wonders for your wellbeing.
Listen to music!
Put your headphones in or turn on the radio and listen to some music! Not only does your brain release dopamine (a neurotransmitter linked to motivation and reward) when you listen to music, but it also helps to improve your mood!
Random acts of kindness
Sometimes, the best way to cheer yourself up is by cheering somebody else up. Whether you give up your seat on the train, pay for someone’s coffee, or even just compliment a colleague, these little random acts of kindness won’t just brighten someone else’s day, but they’ll also improve your own positivity.
Start your job search
If it’s your job that’s getting you down – use January to finally turn it around. Refresh your CV and kick-start your job search! Putting in the effort into submitting carefully tailored applications will pay dividends in the long run.
Tomorrow is another day
OK, so you’re not feeling great today, but that doesn’t mean every day needs to be the same. There’s no better way to beat blue Monday than to plan for the future. Having something to look forward to will definitely help to improve your mood and keep a positive mindset.
Ask for help
Unfortunately, mental ill health isn’t something that affects us for just one day a year. It can be difficult to spot signs of mental health problems in the workplace and many people are still reluctant to talk about their issues or struggles, with the fear of how they may be perceived by their colleagues and managers and how it will affect their careers and working relationships. Having someone who knows how to react and support someone who is struggling can make the world of difference and it is usually through small and simple acts of compassion.
Although having a Mental Health First Aider within the workplace isn’t a legal requirement, more and more businesses are recognising the support they can offer to employees, so they are becoming more common place which is a great start!
If you would like more information on organising a Mental First Aider for your business or would like to discuss how to approach mental health in your workplace, please get in touch. Contact us on hello@hrrevolution.co.uk or call 0203 538 5311.
