‘KEEPING THE BLUES AT BAY’ BY HANNAH 

This ‘Blue Monday’ Fight for Peace’s HR and Wellbeing Manager Hannah Eghweree shares some of her thoughts on what is labelled ‘the most depressing day of the year’, and some of the ways we can shift our mindset, embrace small, positive habits, and support our mental health. From staying active to seeking support, Hannah highlights some ways we can prioritise well-being all year round.

“Blue Monday is a day in January (usually the third Monday) that some claim is the most depressing day of the year. It is usually associated with feelings of sadness, low motivation, and a lack of energy. Instead of dreading Blue Monday, it should be reframed to serve as a reminder to practice self-care and ask for help to maintain general well-being.  

So, how can we keep the blues at bay?

Keep it simple. Generally, at this time of the year, we set ambitious goals that don’t align with our current lifestyle and wonder why we fall off. Keeping things simple helps us stick with new habits until they become second nature and less likely to feel like a burden or overwhelming.

Emotions are part of being human. It is okay to feel sad, just as it is to feel happy. Accept low emotions while working to understand the source of negative thoughts. Emotions cannot be wished away.

As winter drags on and life gets busy again, it is important to find time to stay present by carving out some “alone” time for self-care and self-compassion. Stay motivated by doing the little things that can help maintain momentum until energy levels rise again. 

Being active has been known to have incredible benefits on the mind, body, and soul. Rediscover simple hobbies that bring joy, go on short walks or put on your dancing shoes. Anything that gets the body moving will help to boost the mood. Keep it simple so it sticks.

Remember to ask for help because no one has it perfect, everyone is just “winging it” so speak up by reaching out to friends, family or professional help. Through sharing our feelings, we often feel less alone and soon realise that there is support available.

What we can take from Blue Monday is that we all have mental health and that there are steps we can take all year round to protect it.”

Fight for Peace’s HR and Wellbeing Manager Hannah Eghweree, and blog author

For any young people seeking support, our team of youth workers are available every weekday at our Academy. Please do not hesitate to reach out to one of us if you are in need of support, or just want to chat. Below is a list of services available for anyone struggling with mental health outside of Fight for Peace hours.

NHS: For any urgent physical health issues and advice, the NHS can help, just dial 111. 

SAMARITANS: Please call Samaritans if you need emergency Mental Health Support. They are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year on 116 123, or visit their website.  

REFUGE: Provide Domestic Violence support via a 24 hour helpline: 0808 200 247. Website: here

CHILDLINE: Available to help anyone under 19 in the UK with any issue they’re going through: Call 0800 1111 or access their 1:1 counsellor chat and email via the website.

YOUNG MINDS: Provides young people with tools to look after their mental health, and empowers adults to be the best support they can be to the young people in their lives with resources, training and tools. Call 020 7089 5050 or visit their website

KOOTH.COM: A free, safe and anonymous online counselling service for young people aged 10-18 in Newham. Reach qualified counsellors through mobile, tablet and computer just by joining KOOTH through the website, or call: 020 3984 9337.

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