What is Blue Monday & Ways to Overcome it!

Ways To Conquer Blue Monday.  

Blue Monday first hit the scene in 2005, cooked up as a clever marketing ploy by a travel company. The so-called "formula" behind it weighs in on winter blues, post-holiday debt, forgotten New Year’s resolutions, and the gloomy weather - all the stuff that makes January feel like a slog. Sure, science might roll its eyes at the idea, but it’s sparked bigger conversations about mental health and the importance of showing up for people who might be feeling the strain. 

 Blue Monday is typically observed on the third Monday in January. In 2025, it falls on January 20th and it’s a nudge to confront the winter blues head-on and recognise the struggles some people face during this time of year. More importantly, it’s a bold reminder to put mental health front and centre and reach out for support when life feels heavy. 

Are you or anyone you know likely to start feeling the weight of Blue Monday? You’re not alone. Beating the blues starts with taking care of yourself and reaching out for support. Here’s your go-to game plan: 

• Reach Out: Call a friend, text your family, or chat with a mental health pro. Sharing your feelings can lighten the load. 
• Prioritise Self-Care: Get moving, meditate, or dive into a hobby that makes you feel alive. Even a small action can boost your mood. 
• Set Bite-Sized Goals: Break down tasks into manageable chunks to keep overwhelm at bay and keep progress rolling. 
• Own Your Emotions: Sadness happens, and that’s okay. Tune in to your feelings, but don’t let negative thoughts run the show - challenge them head-on. 
• Manage Stress: Cut out unnecessary stress where you can and give yourself a break.  
• Plan Something Fun: Sometimes just having that little thing to look forward to, can make the harder days seems a little easier.  

Remember, while "Blue Monday" may be a media creation, January can be tough for many, and it’s okay to acknowledge that. Taking small, intentional steps can make a big difference. Here at  WonderDays we are all about making small tweaks that make a big difference to both our team and our customers. Here is how: 

More Help for Customers: After a super busy Christmas with lots of new customers, we don’t want to leave you waiting in a phone queue. We have more agents than ever on the phones eager to assist our wonderful customers. 

Super Flexibility: Despite having a generous validity on our experience vouchers, we provide a grace period in which they can be extended and in addition offer exchanges to experiences at any time, just to keep that stress at bay 

Speak Up: When something doesn’t feel right, it means it probably isn’t. At our core, fairness and transparency drives everything we do. If you our customers, or any of our experience legends notice inaccuracies or issues with any of our experiences or policies, we want to know. We encourage our team to challenge the policies and disrupt the regular chain of command to innovate and inspire.  

Time Out Room: No, not for kids but for our team. Our whole team work hard and are truly dedicated to serving your needs, and we want to give them something back so have provided a new “clear mind” space to allow for colleagues to retreat from their day and take some “them” time or grab a coffee, as and when needed.  

Another way to help clear your mind is to have something to look forward to and what better way than to have a fun experience day to lighten the load!

Whether it's seeing the world from above on a hot air balloon ride, trying something new with a pork pie making experience or having a go in a rage room, we have just the perfect way to put a smile on your face!

We’d love to hear from you! How do you tackle the January blues, and what small actions brighten your winter days? Got any tips, uplifting stories, or fresh ideas? Share them with us on our social media channels.