What is Blue Monday? A guide for small businesses to support mental health

Are you feeling a little down? Have you got the blues? If so, you’re likely not alone. That’s because today is “Blue Monday,” a day many consider to be the most depressing day of the year. 

How can that impact small businesses? Data released in January 2024 with Blue Monday in mind showed that nearly 6 in 10 employees do not feel regular satisfaction at their workplace, with 22% saying their sense of purpose and joy at work has decreased from 2020 to now. 

But what does that mean for productivity? Well, a report released at a similar time stated that 18 million work days are lost to mental health conditions. So, what is Blue Monday, how can you get through it, and how can you improve the mental health of you and your team year round. 

What is Blue Monday?

Blue Monday is a term given to what some believe to be the most “depressing” day of the year. It usually falls on the third Monday of the year, but can, on occasion, take place on the second or fourth Monday. Blue Monday is calculated using several factors, including: 

• Debt levels 

• Time since Christmas 

• Time since new year’s resolutions have been broken 

• Weather 

• Motivation levels 

By contrast, some consider the happiest day of the year to take place around mid-June. Many consider Blue Monday to be scientifically unsound, however, it does make for a good opportunity to talk about mental health. 

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Some tips to get through the dreary Winter weeks

While the accuracy of Blue Monday is under discussion, one thing is for sure: many people find the winter months to be more difficult emotionally than the summer season. 

Here are some ways to get through these winter blues. 

Take vitamin D

As the sun creeps further behind the clouds and nights drag on for longer, the amount of vitamin D we receive naturally reduces, making a supplement a possible consideration.  

Consider a doctor’s visit 

Depression is a serious illness that can affect how someone thinks, feels, and acts. It can bring with it intense fatigue, feelings of hopelessness, and changes in appetite. If you’re feeling particularly sad, you might like to consider paying your doctor a visit to discuss your options. 

Really, you might want to speak to your doctor

Depression isn’t the only illness you could be battling. If you find yourself feeling extremely low during the winter months but bouncy and joyful during summer, it’s possible you may have SAD – seasonal affective disorder. SAD can be treated with anti-depressants, lifestyle changes, light therapy, and counselling. 

Get outside 

It may be freezing, but getting outside could still be the trick to helping you feel a little less blue during January. Consider a brisk walk around a park or a short jog by a river. 

Exercise

Exercise releases a number of wonderful chemicals our body and mind need to feel good. During winter, we naturally move less – no late summer nights spent with friends in the pub or swimming in the ocean on holiday. Consider new forms of exercise that you can practice in a gym, in your home, or if you’re brave, outside. 

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How to enhance your team’s mental health throughout the year

Strong mental health is important over the year and preparing for winter starts much earlier. Here are some tips for improving the mental health of your team the whole year through. 

Let people draw boundaries 

Some people love to work at night, others need the clear separation between work and home. Make it clear that at your business, people can draw their boundaries wherever they feel is appropriate. For instance, if a manager sends an email on a weekend, ensure it’s made clear that the team do not need to read or respond to it until their contracted hours start again. This can help people get the rest and recovery they need to function at their best during the week. 

Talk about mental health 

Create an environment where talking about mental health is encouraged. This could mean that if a team member is feeling the effects of depression or another mental health illness, they feel supported enough to open up about it in the workplace and set up arrangements to ensure they get the support and flexibility they need to recover. 

Offer wellbeing training 

Wellbeing training can help your team recognise the signs of mental health illness in themselves and others. This can have a double benefit – on the one hand, they may be able to spot symptoms in themselves and get help from their GP early. On the other, if another team member is struggling, it’s possible they may be able to see it and provide early encouragement and support to that person, ensuring they get help when needed. 

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Mental health tips for founders 

Running a business can be gruelling work. It’s a little like life – there are ups and downs, peaks and troughs, you’re never 100% sure what’s around the corner, and after a few years, you’re a little wiser and a bit more confident. Here are some ways to look after your own mental health. 

Acknowledge the mountain you’re climbing 

You’re doing a very hard thing. You should be proud! 

Business owners often look to the next thing and focus on the fulfillment of their projects, which is great – some might argue it’s part of what makes them successful. But if you’re starting to feel the strain and some of the difficulties are getting to you, don’t forget to be proud of yourself for your accomplishments so far. 

Take breaks

You’ve probably heard this one before, but that doesn’t make it any less important. Consider taking off at least the same number of days a year as contracted employees – a full 20 days plus bank holidays, with weekends off and lunch breaks during the day. That may require some coordination, but your mental health will thank you. 

Pour back into you

Running a business can be all-consuming, leaving little time for you. Take some time to exercise, dress, walk around, enjoy your hobbies, see friends, do something new, and maybe even just do nothing for a bit. You might find yourself refreshed by the time you return to work. 

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Thinking of starting an exciting new project?

If you’ve decided to take these “depressing” weeks and turn them into something exciting with a brand new business project, you may be looking for the funding to fuel your ideas. 

At Funding Options by Tide, we work to connect eligible businesses to lenders offering up to £20M. Click the link below and submit your information to find out if you’re eligible for a business loan, bridging loan, invoice finance, or other finance solutions. 

Find a business loan.

Please note that the information above is not intended to be financial advice. You should seek independent financial advice before making any decisions about your financial future.

It’s important to remember that all loans and credit agreements come with risks. These risks include non-payment and late-payment of the agreed repayment plan, which could affect your business credit score and impact your ability to find future funding. Always read the terms and conditions of every loan or credit agreement before you proceed. Contact us for support if you ever face difficulties making your repayments.

Funding Options, now part of Tide, helps UK firms access business finance, working directly with businesses and their trusted advisors. Funding Options are a credit broker and do not provide loans directly. All finance and quotes are subject to status and income. Applicants must be aged 18 and over and terms and conditions apply. Guarantees and Indemnities may be required. Funding Options can introduce applicants to a number of providers based on the applicants' circumstances and creditworthiness. Funding Options will receive a commission or finder’s fee for effecting such finance introductions.