It’s that time of year again. The Christmas magic has well and truly fizzled, the bills are rolling in, and the weather is... well, depressing. Blue Monday (which is typically the third Monday of the month and is referred to as the saddest day of the year), has a way of sneaking up on us. For small business owners, it can feel doubly heavy - balancing the weight of personal blues with the endless demands of running a business.

What is Blue Monday and where did it come from?

Blue Monday (20th January for this year) was actually coined by a travel company over 20 years ago, who claimed to have calculated the date using an 'equation'. Factors considered were weather, debt, time since Christmas, time since failing New Year's resolutions, low motivation, and feeling the need to take action. It doesn't really mean anything, and many people have dismissed it as a pseudoscience, but it's also not surprising that it's caught on given that both January and Mondays have quite gloomy reputations.

But guess what? We don't have to all feel so down. With a bit of self-care and a change of mindset, you can turn the day around - and even set the tone for the rest of the year. Here’s how:

1. Start with gratitude (even if it’s tiny)

Running a business is no small feat. Take a moment to jot down three things you’re grateful for - big or small. Maybe it’s a loyal customer who always brightens your day, the barista who remembers your fave coffee order, or just the fact that you’ve made it this far in your entrepreneurial journey.

Start your Blue Monday with this simple practice, and hopefully you’ll notice the weight begin to lift. And if you’re anything like me, you’ll want to keep it up for the rest of the year!

2. Move your body - even for 10 minutes

Stress loves to hang out in the body, especially when you’re busy running a business. Tackle it with movement. You don’t need an intense workout - just do something that gets your blood flowing. Being out in nature can also help - breathing in a bit of fresh air, even if, again, it's just for 5 or 10 minutes. 

Take a brisk walk, do a quick yoga stretch, or blast your favourite feel-good song and dance like nobody’s watching (because they aren’t), and you'll feel much better. Why? Because exercise gives you endorphins, and endorphins make you happy. Just ask Elle Woods from Legally Blonde.

3. Check in with your team

How are the rest of your team doing? If they're feeling the effects of Blue Monday too, why not organise a lunch or dinner out, or order in some food? You'll boost morale among your coworkers and remind each other that you're all in it together - so you can help each other out when you're feeling overwhelmed.

Studies have also shown that socialising with those around you can lead to you being happier and healthier, so it's important to make time for it!

4. Treat yourself (no, really!)

Who says self-care is selfish? Not us! Schedule something you genuinely enjoy for Blue Monday. Whether it’s a fancy coffee, booking a spa session, or just watching a bit of telly (anyone else obsessed with The Traitors?), let yourself indulge without overthinking it.

Sometimes, the little joys are the best antidote to the winter blues.

5. Celebrate your wins

Blue Monday (and just January in general) might feel like a slump, but take a chance to look back at how far you’ve come. Maybe you recently launched a new product, hit a sales goal, or simply made it through a tough week. Celebrate it! 

You also need to remember why you started your business in the first place. What lights you up about what you do? Write it down, say it out loud, or create a vision board if you’re feeling creative. Acknowledge the progress you've made and let it fuel you for what’s next. Your achievements are worth acknowledging - don’t forget that.

Remember: Blue Monday is just a day

At the end of the day, Blue Monday is just another date on the calendar. It doesn’t define you, your business, or your future. With a little self-care and compassion, you can turn it into a moment of reflection and renewal.

So take a deep breath, cut yourself some slack, and show Blue Monday who’s boss. You’ve got this!