What is Blue Monday?
Blue Monday is the name given to the third Monday in January. In 2026, it falls on 19th January. It’s often described as the most difficult day of the year, based on a mixture of factors like cold weather, post-Christmas finances and the daunting feeling that the whole year is still stretching out in front of you.
The idea itself comes from a marketing campaign rather than medical research, and there’s no clinical evidence that this one Monday is worse than any other. But it’s stuck. Every January it pops back up in the news and in workplace conversations because it reflects a feeling that people recognise. This point in the year can feel flat, slow or mentally tiring, especially for small business owners and their teams.
What to do about the blue
Blue Monday gets a lot of attention, but you don’t need to buy into the label to recognise the moment. January as a whole can feel heavy for small businesses. Sales are often slower, energy dips and the year still feels long.
The aim isn’t to fix moods. It’s to keep things steady. Start by acknowledging the timing in a normal way. A simple nod to the fact that January can be hard work often lands better than forced positivity. People want understanding, not a morale campaign. Use your usual check-ins well this week. Ask what’s draining time or energy and what would help work feel smoother. Small fixes like clearer priorities or shifting a task can make a real difference.
If the pace is slower, treat it as useful space. Tidy admin, review pricing, chase invoices or plan the next few months. Purpose helps quieter days feel productive rather than flat.
Take a calm look at cash flow. Uncertainty makes everything feel worse. You don’t need perfect numbers, just enough clarity to stop second-guessing.
Check in one to one where you can and listen more than you talk. Often that’s all people need.
Finally, keep an eye on your own energy. January wears on owners too. Focus on a short list, step away from constant emails and let one day be just one day rather than spiralling.
Blue Monday will pass. How you handle it sets the tone for the weeks that follow.
