Is it really Blue Monday?
Blue Monday falls on the 16th January this year – it always falls on the third Monday of the month.
Is it real or not? Should you pay it any attention? As with all of these perceived ‘moments’ – it’s up to you!
The day started back in 2005, when a travel company claimed it was the most depressing day of the year and used the claim for a press release, hoping to drum up business.
Many people have debunked the idea of one day being the saddest day, and in fact, many other companies have also used the day as a springboard for their sales.
However, what is true, is that many people feel down, or depressed after the celebrations of Christmas and New Year, especially when the weather is usually grey and dull. This can be because they’ve not had a great festive season or they’ve experienced something very negative.
Plus, some people suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a form of depression that can manifest in certain seasons.
What we do know, is that many people suffer with mental health issues and that’s not pegged to a certain day or date. And since the lockdowns of the last two years, there are people who are suffering for the first time.
In business many of us work hard, often long hours, trying to make sure we meet deadlines, and often taking stresses from our day home with us. It’s difficult to let go, unwind or down tools.
We need to take our health seriously, both physically and mentally!
Don’t push yourself to the point of burnout. Remember, as long as you do a good job in the time you have that’s all you can do! We can all only ever do the next ‘right’ thing for us.
Alongside Blue Monday though there is also National Hug Day on January 21 and Make Your Dreams Come True Day on January 13. There is always light as well as shade if you choose to look for it.
Positives for me in January include:
- The first of my official Fiona Monthly Meet Ups – to offer a free co-working opportunity in Swindon for people in business who can get a little lonely. I’m offering ten opportunities for this for free in 2023.
- More of my podcasts going live throughout the year – 24 in total – offering insight into life, small business and the various disciplines within PR.
- Finalising my first draft of book so that it can be submitted for publication later this year.
- Planning my 2024 Business & PR Retreat – a high value residential experience for anyone who wants to get to rub shoulders with journalists with a little business coaching thrown in for good measure.
What’s on the menu for you this month?