Blue Monday, the first day in the third week of January, and said to be the most depressing day of the year.
Any other year, the atmosphere in the office would be downbeat, low and quiet - working from home makes the quietness seem louder. Having said that, what can you do to improve things, for your staff as well as yourself?
- Remote meditation
- Wear bright colours
- Thank you and gratitude
- Take a walk
remote meditation
One way to boost mood is to start the morning with a virtual meditation session. This can help set a positive tone for the day and encourage a happier mindset. So breath in… and breathe out…. watch our breathing meditation video that many find peaceful.
wear bright colours
PANTONE Viva Magenta has been chosen as last year’s ‘PANTONE colour of the year’. The brand describes the shade as a “crimson red tone that presents a balance between warm and cool.” Pantone highlights a colour each year that reflects the current culture, and the brand said Viva Magenta is a “hybrid” shade that’s symbolic of our existence in the physical and digital world.
thank you and gratitude
A little thank you goes a long way. Send a personalised e-card, message or GIF to brighten up your colleagues' day. Encourage your team to write a 'gratitude list' of things they are thankful for, big or small.
take a walk
Another great way to boost your mood is to take a walk. Walking is a great way to stay active and physically well, but it can also help clear the mind and enjoy surroundings. Consider swapping one of your virtual meetings for a 'walk and talk' to look after your mental health and give your eyes a break.
Still looking for some more inspiration on ways to keep your team motivated? Take a look at our market insights for other fun tips. Don’t forget, these tips can be used any day, not only for Blue Monday.
employee motivation
If on Blue Monday, or the days/weeks following you're wondering how to turn your team into a powerhouse of productivity, creativity, and genuine enthusiasm, we can help guide you. In our new article 'inspiring excellence: exploring employee motivation strategies' we explore what employee motivation looks like, the importance of understanding your workforce, and four great employee motivation strategies.