'Brew Monday’
The third Monday in January is often referred to as ‘the most difficult day of the year’ and called ‘Blue Monday’.
But it’s time to stop this myth about Monday being 'blue'. We all have our good days and our bad days - and those aren’t for a calendar to decide.
Instead, the Samaritans has relabelled today ‘Brew Monday’ and is reminding everyone to reach out for a cuppa and a catch-up with family, friends, colleagues and loved ones (even if it’s done virtually).
Lloyds Banking Group has published a wellbeing session pack to mark Brew Monday – including tips for helping someone open up, how to be a good listener, a tea trivia and some Brew Monday Bingo!
And there’s lots more on Brew Monday and how to get involved on the Samaritans website.
LBG's 'Brew Monday' wellbeing pack Samaritans 'Brew Monday' resourcesYour guide to positivity
We've got some useful and practical tips to help you - it won't fix depression and anxiety, but it can help you maintain your overall mental health & wellbeing.
Reframing your mindset for 2022
The start of a New Year is the perfect time to make a promise to ourselves that we’ll do what we can to protect our wellbeing. So why not start 2022 by developing a positive mindset?
A positive mindset can help to reduce stress, lower the risk of depression, promote better physical and mental wellbeing, and equips us with the skills to manage better during difficult times. And though it’s not always easy to be optimistic, we can learn how to reframe our negative thoughts. The process is simple, but it takes time and practice.
4 Practical tips to help you achieve a positive mindset:
- Start your day on a positive note - Allow time in the morning for a relaxing ritual whether that’s reciting positive affirmations, practicing mindfulness or simply taking the time to sit and enjoy the warmth of a hot drink. By building this into your morning routine, you’ll begin to react both optimistically and constructively throughout the rest of day.
- Practice gratitude – Recognise what you’re thankful for by noting down three things you’re grateful for each day, it’ll help you acknowledge the good in your life and magnify positive emotions. Practicing gratitude can help to improve your mental wellbeing, better your relationships, boost self-esteem and foster resilience.
- Acknowledge negative thoughts – Take the time to influence the process of challenging negative thoughts and replacing them with positive ones. Over time, you’ll begin to see perceived problems from a different perspective and break the negative cycle, allowing you to make strategic decisions in stressful times, and improve your overall outlook on things.
- Surround yourself with good company - Remove the negative people in your life and connect with those who lift you up and help you to learn from mistakes. Those you spend the most time with can influence your mood and your outlook on life. When you’re surrounded by positive people, you’re more likely to adopt empowering beliefs and confidence.
Discover mindfulness
Watch BWC's short video on mindfulness to find out how it can help to improve our wellbeing.
Read this article
How to learn to relax
Learn and practice different relaxation techniques to help you relax when you need to most.
Read this article
Mental health support
- LBG’s Employee Assistance Programme (Validium): 0800 9700 100
- TSB's Employee Assistance Programme: 0800 0856 348
- Mind mental health charity: https://www.mind.org.uk/
- Bank Workers Charity: 0800 0234 834 — https://www.bwcharity.org.uk/
- Samaritans: 116 123 — https://www.samaritans.org/
- NHS 'Every mind matters': https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/
And remember, if you’re an Accord member and need a chat about support at work, call the helpline on 0118 934 1808.
All of our team of advisors have been accredited in Mental Health First Aid by MHFA England.
