Our tips for a happier January

With the busy festive period over and returning to work in the cold and dark, we’re not surprised that today – the third Monday in January – has been hailed as the most depressing day of the day, ‘Blue Monday’

We’ve lots of great things happening at Consensus all year round and today, instead of feeling blue, we’re focusing on the positive and how we can make the best of a bit of a dull day. We’re facing a brand new year by sharing top tips on how to make January a happier month for everyone.

Allow yourself time to socialise
Combat the loneliness by making time to connect with one another, enjoy fun activities or a chat and a giggle, and be there to support each other.
Spend time with a furry friend
Being around animals always boosts your mood so spend time with your pet or a friend’s. Walks or snuggles, and lots of pics.
Get moving
We know, it’s chilly. But exercise releases endorphins which you need to be happier so take some time to get some fresh air and reset.
Reduce screen time
Easier said than done, but today try and allow yourself some time away from devices to relax and watch your mood improve.

Teams and services across Consensus are being encouraged to take part in Brew Monday. Brew Monday began with Samaritans who know that there is no such think as ‘Blue Monday’ and that we all have good days and bad days. Let’s encourage each other and battle this myth of ‘Blue Monday’ and connect with each other over a brew and perhaps some yummy treats too! All information on ‘Brew Monday’ can be found here: https://www.samaritans.org/support-us/campaign/brew-monday/

We’ve also enjoyed hearing about how our colleagues have already been making an effort to ensure the new year is one filled with fun; one team got together for a lunchtime pizza buffet to catch up about their festive break, and another took advantage of the evenings whilst they’re still dark early, by having a Thursday afternoon dance party with their disco lights and their favourite tunes.

We hope everyone has had a happy January, but if anyone does need to access support now or throughout the year you can reach out free, anonymous help here:

Samaritans – phone on 116 123
Shout – text SHOUT to 85258
SANEline – phone 0300 304 7000
National Suicide Prevention Helpline – phone 0800 689 5652
Campaign Against Living Miserably – phone 0800 58 58 58

Support Available for Our Colleagues

We’re truly proud of to be a Great Place to Work, and one of the reasons our colleagues have agreed is because we work to make sure everyone has access to health and wellbeing support whether that’s at work or at home including:

Employee Assistance Programme – accessible to colleagues every day of the year to include an option of counselling.
GP24 – with GP Practices being swamped we offer our colleagues a virtual GP service which is accessible 7 days a week for all health and wellbeing needs.
Mental Health First Aid Programme – with 40 Mental Health First Aider’s within Consensus, we are focusing on a holistic approach to provide support for colleagues struggling with mental health conditions.
Wellbeing Coach – we have our very own Wellbeing Coach who travels around our services spreading the word of all things health and wellbeing and also providing 1-2-1 support to colleagues who are struggling.

Want to make every Monday an amazing one? Head over to our careers page and discover what it's like to work at Consensus, and see if what opportunities are available in your area to make a positive difference in others' lives every day.

Our Careers

Date: 15th January 2024