Banish Blue Monday: 4 ways to cheer-up your team

Okay, we’ll start by saying we’re not convinced Blue Monday is a real thing...

Although Blue Monday is supposedly based on scientific research, it sounds pretty sus. And anyway, labelling a day “the most depressing of the year” is hardly going to raise anyone’s spirits.

Dr Cliff Arnall, the man behind Blue Monday, says he intended the phrase to inspire people to take action rather than emphasising the misery of the year's joyless date. So that’s exactly what we’re going to do and, let’s face it, any excuse for a pick-me-up is welcome. 

To get you off on the right (cheery) foot, we’ve created a special edition Blue Monday treats to sweeten up your workplace. 

Why not treat your team to a platter of our Blue Monday Confetti Cookies? This is bound to perk up your office because, based on our scientific observations, chocolate and confetti make you happy – and that is research we can get behind. 

Alternatively, why not opt for our Blue Monday Candy Platter featuring enough blue pick-n-mix to sweeten up the entire office. 

And if you need more Blue Monday inspo, here are some other ideas to combat those January Blues:

Get Moving

Getting your body moving is a great way to get yourself out of a funk. Why not arrange a virtual yoga class for your team? This way you can get everyone involved, where ever they are based. You could find an instructor or pick from one of the great videos by people like Yoga with Adriene on YouTube. More parties than zen? Then pick something upbeat, try a dance sweat session with the Fitness Marshall or go for a classic HIIT with Joe Wicks. Switching the camera on should be optional so that those who feel uncomfortable, or would rather be eating cookies at the back of the class, can get on with it in private.

Have a laugh

We could all do with a good old belly laugh. Why not get the team together for a virtual comedy night? Soho Theatre has on-demand gigs or you could get ahead of the Monday blues by watching a live-streamed comedy gig on Friday from the comedy store. Get some overpriced drinks in and it will be like heading out for the real thing – minus the grim night tube.

A playlist a day

Create your own Blue Monday Spotify playlist to share with the team. Either take it upon yourself to play DJ or get everyone to add their favourite uplifting tunes. Hit play at the same time and know that whilst you're dancing around, your teammates are doing the same.

Get outside

Encourage the team to enjoy some fresh air on their lunch break. Why not set up a photographic scavenger hunt? Set a list of things to snap pictures of on their walk and get everyone to share them on Slack. You could either set them as individual tasks or group them into pairs or teams to submit as a group. The team or individual with the most items ticked off the list each gets a box of cookies sent as a reward.

• Brightest/ugliest car
• Fanciest front door
• Record the best sound
• Most interesting tree
• Something lost
• Strangest footprints
• Furry friends
• A video of your dancing in the street

Blue Monday doesn’t have to be a gloomy day. Help raise your team’s spirits this Monday with these 4 activities. Don’t forget to order some seasonal treats for the office.