No Monday feels great, but there’s plenty of ways of changing that
Blue Monday. It’s said to be the most depressing day of the year, but, when you realise it’s a fabrication to sell holidays, you can flip it; it doesn’t have to be a self fulfilling prophecy.
Despite the marketing lie, more and more we are seeing colleagues struggle with the Monday blues. They build up towards the end of Sunday and, before you know it, there is existential dread about one particular day of the week.
Blue Monday is the label for a specific day in January. Yet in reality it’s not just that one that can feel really daunting – it’s any Monday throughout the year. The statistics prove it.
Signs of burnout are becoming more common, and workplace wellbeing is getting higher on leaders’ agendas (thankfully). On Blue Monday we’re likely to see more disengagement, lack of motivation and low moods among teams across the UK. With stats indicating that 63% of UK employees are now showing symptoms like exhaustion and disengagement (up from 51% two years ago*). We need to turn Blue Monday into Bright Monday. To achieve this, we need to get intentional and make sure we start off the week with our ‘human bank account’ in the Black.
Mondays are for fresh starts
Psychologist Cliff Arnall came up with Blue Monday in 2004 – which was subsequently used by a travel company to sell their offerings. It factors in a number of things: poor weather, debt after Christmas, failing new years resolutions and low motivational levels. There’s some truth in it, but also a lot of myths around it. However, the cause isn’t as important as the cure.
To make Monday brighter for you, and others, we need to get intentional about managing the Bank of Me™; putting positive deposits in our personal, metaphorical human bank account, and having a good influence on that of others. In our books, app and development modules, we recommend paying attention to six critical areas; physiological, emotional, focus, personal growth, motivation and inclusion. When ‘fixing Monday’, it’s worth thinking about tactics for all of these:
1. Put a deposit in your emotional bank – ensure you start Monday with someone who gives you positive energy (a booster) and tops up your ‘human bank account’. Focus on the first appointment of the day – make it a call, meeting or conversation with someone energy-giving.
2. Foster inclusion – make someone feel that they matter. A kind word, gesture, a good morning… Even just eye contact goes a long way, for you and them.
3. Start the week with high motivation – ask yourself what’s in the diary this week? Have you got enough of what you love and gives you positive energy. No? Then make a small change to get a little bit more.
In a recent session with one of my coachees, I was truly reminded of the power we have over others’ emotions, often without even realising it. The person was feeling exceptionally low and talked about how a Barista had engaged them in light conversation. It was a moment where they felt like they mattered. That simple act changed the course of their day. Making Monday the high point of others’ week, and helping them feel they matter, is a gift we can all give.
4. Build a habit around boosting others – doing it once is a positive, but making it repetitive will have a greater impact. Think about what habits, rhythms and routines you can put in place to brighten the start to your/others week. (Remember Ted Lasso’s daily biscuit gift)
5. Link these behaviours to something you already do – get a domino effect in habit building. Talk to your booster (or boosters!) when you are on the move, and top up your Bank of Me in more ways than one.
6. Buddy up – when a group is committed to starting Monday on the right foot, they have more chances of success by holding one another to account. It’s also more enjoyable for everyone involved.
The biggest message here is to get intentional. Don’t leave Monday to chance – put the right plan in place to make it a high point for you and everyone you meet. It’s time to turn Blue into Bright.
*MHFA England
