Blue Monday!?
At Inner City, we recognise that being ‘Blue’ is not just a colour, and whilst it makes for nice aesthetics corporately it is also the way we can feel, approach and respond towards something, both negatively and positively, often for reasons we are unaware or are out of our control.
The third Monday of January is referred to as “Blue Monday”- coined the most downbeat day of the year. We recognise in particular that the winter months can be especially challenging for Scaffolders, with shorter days and colder temperatures making the job harder. The gloomy weather can also effect one’s mental health and drive. There are however many good ways Scaffolders can engage to help them cope with the January blues.
Self-Care – Time for You
It is important to prioritise self-care. This varies from person to person, including physical and mental health. Getting enough sleep, eating nutritious meals and exercising regularly can help aid the physical body in keeping well. Taking time to do something you enjoy releases endorphins in the brain, such as listening to music or watching a movie. Taking enough breaks i.e. downtime, ensures you don’t exhaust your body physically or mentally.
Positive Attitude – Focus on Good Things
It may be hard to do, however, maintaining a positive outlook has a positive effect on the brain and body. During the grey winter months this can prove difficult, but looking forward to future plans and/or goals is a good way to see this through. You can also confide in friends and family or seek out social support if needed.
Organisation – Lighten the Mental Load
We all have that one friend that is always “too busy” to attend social events. Being organised enables you to visualise your hours in the day and prioritise accordingly. A simple to-do list can help with your day-to-day and creates a sense of achievement when the tasks are ticked off.
Reality – Accept and Engage
Blue Monday can be difficult for everyone, especially Scaffolders. By following the aforementioned tips, you may be able to focus on the brighter side of life.
Inner City Scaffolding want to ensure all employees have the ability to implement changes to make positive impacts on their lives. We have applied and become members of the Employee Assistance Programme, which we are rolling out to provide our valued employees with elements of support, such as: –
- A free-phone 24/7 help-desk
- Counselling Support for employees and family members
- Practical advice (legal, debt, etc.) on all personal, family and domestic issues
- Advice, information and sign-posting to specialist sources of assistance
- Unlimited access to an Employee Assistance Online website
- Employee communication – leaflets, e-posters and monthly newsletters
Remember – whatever your Blue Monday, being Blue can also be good, it can be enjoyable and rewarding as a Scaffolder.
