Skip to main content

It's January. We're usually busy cracking on with our New Year’s resolutions and organising plans for the year ahead. But it can also be a bit of a sad time for many people. After the warm feelings of the festive period - spending time with those closest to us - January can feel like the celebrations are over.

But there are little things you can do to add some positivity to your day. And we’ve got some brilliant suggestions to put a smile on your face.

 

What is Blue Monday?

‘Blue Monday’ (the day, not the New Order hit) was actually launched as a marketing scheme in 2005 by a travel company. They claimed to have calculated the most depressing day of the year. To work this out, they used factors like average temperature, days until the next bank holiday, hours of daylight and days since last payday.

However, the psychologist that developed the concept later campaigned against it. Instead, he said that everyone should try and focus on the positives. If you’re setting new goals this year, that’s an important thought to keep in mind.

Nowadays, Blue Monday is still regarded as a time for self-care. After all, it’s important to do things that make you feel good. Here are a few of our best ideas…

Get out and exercise

Exercise is one of the best ways to get that hit of dopamine. It doesn’t need to be an average gym routine either. You could go for a cycle through the park, lace up your running shoes, or even set up a game of 5-a-side with your mates. Why not get fit, soak up some nature and socialise at the same time? And, best of all, it’ll help keep those blues at bay.

Watch an uplifting film or TV show

There’s a reason they’re called feel-good films. When you’re feeling low, turning to that film with a happy ending or a sitcom with familiar faces is a great way to lift your spirits. You might have seen it before, but that doesn’t matter at all.

Movies like The Shawshank Redemption, Matilda, Forrest Gump, or anything starring the late, great Robin Williams are all great choices. Get your family, friends, or housemates together and watch something you’re all guaranteed to enjoy.

Treat yourself to some retail therapy

While December is all about sorting amazing Christmas gifts for your loved ones, January’s all about the gift of self-giving. And why not? You deserve it.

January is a great time to make that big purchase you’ve had planned for a while. The January sales are typically one of the biggest of the year after all. You’re likely to bag a sweet deal on that classy laptop, heavenly holiday, or swish shoes you’ve had your eye on. Take the plunge and go for it – you'll be glad you did.

Escape into a good book

There’s nothing like a good book to keep your mind occupied. Whether you’re into fictional, immersive worlds, or someone that wants to take on a fresh perspective with self-help literature. There’s genuinely a book out there for everyone.

It may be a cliché, but reading is one of the best things you can do to expand your mind and escape from things that might weigh you down. And there’s always time to get into a good read. Just set your phone to silent, turn off the TV and dive right in.

Catch up with friends and family

What made Christmas so good for us wasn’t the decorations, the music, or the food (okay, maybe it was a bit). It was mostly the chance to spend some time with our nearest and dearest.

We’re talking about the people that are always rooting for you, no matter what. These are the people that make you feel better - even after a quick 5-minute chat. They may be there for Christmas, but they’re also there when you’re feeling blue. Pick up the phone and call them, text them or plan a visit to see them. With iD Mobile, you’ve got unlimited minutes and texts whatever plan you have, so there’s no excuse.

Reach out

Sometimes it’s not just a simple case of January blues. Those feelings could go on longer and feel deeper. Mental health is equally as important as physical health, and it’s brilliant that more of us are talking about it. But, while it’s never been more important to speak to our friends and relatives, sometimes it takes more than that to start feeling better in ourselves again.

There’s always someone out there to speak to. Someone who understands exactly how you feel and knows what you’re going through. The hardest step to make is the first one, which is to get in touch. But once you do, you’ll be making that all-important commitment to feeling better.

If you feel like you need mental health support, check out the likes of CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) and Samaritans. Whether it’s a phone call, email, or text chat, they’ll speak to you – whoever you are and whatever you’re going through. You’re not alone.  

 

Giveaway Time - Closed

To help boost your mood this Blue Monday, we’re doing an exciting giveaway! This is where the Community comes together and in doing so, the reward just gets better! 

To enter simply tell us below what makes you happy in life. It could be anything, from family and friends to trips away at the weekend. Once you’ve entered your response, click send! And you’ll be entered into the draw. 

You have until 3rd February to enter at which point we will tally up all the unique entries to work out which prize you could be winning. So if you want a chance to win a phone let's get over 300 entries! T&C’s apply

The lucky winner (and the final prize!) will be announced on the Community shortly after entries are closed, so make sure you come back to check if it's you!

Here’s what you could win: 

Good Luck! 

A good coffee and making memories with my family 


My football team winning

Most Helpful Answer


Family 

Most Helpful Answer


Working in my allotment with help from my 3 year old grandson

Most Helpful Answer


Dancing and sunshine. You cannot beat either.

Most Helpful Answer


Most Helpful Answer


Going for a bike ride


My dog Daisy makes me happy. Even if I’m having the worst day possible, she always finds a way to make me laugh or smile 


Going for a run and chat with my running buddies, then enjing a cold beer after


Iv been ill since before Christmas and my friends have supported my children and myself every single day. I feel honoured to have them in my life. 


Taking my lovely rescue dog Monty for walks , giving loads of love to him 


Seeing my two beautiful daughters happily playing together, smiling, laughing and bringing joy to the world.


Going to the gym with friends and family


Going for a run and choosing a muddy footpath when I don't know where it leads to. 


Cuddling up to my favourite person and watching the sky 


Getting on a plane to chase some winter warmth and sunshine 🌞 ☀️ 


Going for a bike ride

Most Helpful Answer


Being outdoors, fresh air, exercise and my lovely children all make me feel on top of the world 


A big hug from a family member or close friend!! (Missed them so much during extended lockdown)


Winter sun holidays, just us or with friends, to enjoy now or simply look forward to, Not forgetting free roaming 😂


Being abroad ☀️


Sex with my wife is absolutely the best, always makes me happy 


First signs of spring after a long winter


As a volunteer at an arts organisation in London. I am able to take a guest to view the artwork at the Courtauld gallery. My aim is to take at least one friend a month. I took 2 friends in December, a new friend I had made in November, and a friend that I habe known since 1985.

Thus month, I will take a volunteer from Orleans gallery, he has never been before. 

It's a great pleasure and makes me happy to share my love of art. My friends don't have to pay!! 


Surrounding myself with Positive People and doing Regular Acts of Kindness