Blue Monday - Here to stay

Barbra Carlisle • January 12, 2023

Energy levels and intent


Feeling low on energy, lots on your plate and not enough time to do everything you would like to do in the way you would like to do it?


Many of us are feeling this way, as ‘winter’ drags on, we start failing on our New Year’s Resolutions, and we opt for comfort food to fill a gap.  For some it is a recipe for feeling out of sorts and not at our best.

As someone with a birthday in January I have always struggled with being super positive and jolly two weeks into the year, and I have seen friends dip out of social life for a good month to refresh.


A ploy with a point


Blue Monday is a PR ploy – to encourage people to book holidays in the sun. 

It isn’t based on science, there has been no psychological trials on our sadness relating to the third January of the month (this year falling on 16th January 2023).


It is a PR stunt with an endorsement from an academic who used an equation to assess the saddest day of the year.

In that assessment the academic (who I have no intention of disclosing as it serves neither them or I) developed an equation to assess feelings.


They took into consideration :


  • The weather
  • Time since Christmas
  • Probable levels of debt
  • New Years Resolutions
  • Levels of motivation 


As a regular person the list resonates with me as things that can affect my mood and how I show up.


Flippancy breeds contempt


The issue with Blue Monday is that for people with SAD (Seasonally Affective Disorder) and/or depression the idea that you will be blue on just one day – 24 hours – in a year is pretty preposterous.

"Mental health 'good and bad' days are individual to each of us"

There is no scientific evidence at present that shows the 3rd Monday in Jan as the saddest day in the year.

As a Mental Health First Aider and trained coach I have witnessed people who are sad due to complex reasons throughout the year and I work with them on unpacking how they are feeling and looking to future options to move towards a happier space.


What the papers’ say


Looking at remedies to Blue Monday in the media was at times encouraging and at other times frustrating – in particular hopping on a plane and having a holiday in Bali as a remedy – hmmm not for 99% of the population.


Look after yourself and others


Taking a walk in nature can sooth and support wellbeing

Blue Monday does however give us all an opportunity to stop, reflect and become aware of how we feel, and start to consider how others may be feeling.


Advice I am happy to endorse includes:


  • Talking to people around you – in your team – in your family on what they are feeling on Blue Monday
  • Take a walk - to feel the air on your face (and perhaps the rain!) and to exercise your physical and mental self.
  • Beat the January Blues :: Keeping Well (keepingwellnwl.nhs.uk) NHS suggestions to beat the January blues
  • Look at your New Year Resolutions and think – why, why, why does this really matter to me and my long term wellbeing.
  • Eat a healthy meal and get to bed earlier than you may normally do.
  • Volunteer – this came up in several media posts about Blue Monday. Giving back to someone or the wider community can be really personally satisfying and rewarding.


If you manage someone, lead a team, lead a business you can reach out to others to ask them how they are feeling. Talking helps. If you don't feel confident or capable about having a potentially sensitive conversation with someone look at how you can support them through others. Perhaps make a commitment to learn how to have sensitive conversations - they matter.

Blue Monday is here to stay so let's use it to our advantage and for the advantage of others - no trip to Bali necessary.


What will I be doing?


I will be North sea swimming with one friend (no other takers!) and while we may not get underwater we will certainly have a laugh trying.

I will be checking in on my older relatives (using Blue Monday as an excuse to act) and talking to my family about wellbeing.


If you are interested in keeping in touch with insights from The Curious Coach do email me at barbra@gleecoaching.com or visit www.gleecoaching.com

Tips on worklife balance for busy leaders

By Barbra Carlisle • May 1, 2025
A 2023 survey by The King's Fund revealed that 62% of charity CEOs and 54% of NHS trust CEOs reported feeling "often" or "always" exhausted. Ok so iits not 75% or 80% but it is higher than it should be! The reality: There is no such thing as a perfect balance but there are sustainable practices. I have kept this post short to encourage you to read it, and then go and take one positive step forward to improving your work life balance. Could you… 1 . Set clearer boundaries for yourself and others?. The Chartered Management Institute (CMI) recommends CEOs implement "protected time" policies — such as no-meeting Fridays or setting hard stops on email access outside working hours. My diary is time blocked, colour coded with reminders. 2. Prioritise peer support. According to ACEVO’s CEO Wellbeing report, peer groups and coaching dramatically reduce feelings of isolation and burnout among leaders. Guests on The Unlikely Executive podcast regularly tell me that peer groups reduce the feelings of loneliness. 3. Recognise that micro-recovery matters. Studies by the University of Manchester show that short, deliberate breaks (even 5–10 minutes) increase cognitive resilience in high-stress environments. I used to walk along Camden canal for 15 minutes and often had a brainwave! 4. Reframe balance as a dynamic concept. The Mental Health Foundation suggests treating work-life balance like "a dance, not a destination" allowing flexibility and seasonal shifts in work focus without guilt. If you have a dip at 2pm, recognise this and avoid hefty meetings at this time. 5. Invest in personal leadership. Self-awareness and self-management, key components of emotional intelligence, are the bedrock of sustainable leadership (CIPD Learning & Development Survey, 2023). Coaching can help you keep perspective and enjoy your role. Question: If you were to audit your current wellbeing, what one small change could you make this week that would pay dividends? If you have any thoughts on this post do email barbra@gleecoaching.com or what’s app her on 07952311806 Repost to someone else you know who could benefit from a bit sized moment on achieving work life balance. ________________________________________ Sources: • The King's Fund, The Wellbeing of Leaders in Health and Care, 2023 • CMI (Chartered Management Institute), Leading in a Changing World, 2022 • ACEVO, Leading Wellbeing: The Health and Wellbeing of Charity Leaders, 2022 • University of Manchester, Cognitive Resilience and Recovery Research, 2021 • Mental Health Foundation, Work-Life Balance: A Review of the Evidence, 2022 • CIPD, Learning and Development Survey, 2023

How to Navigate Mergers and Demergers

By Barbra Carlisle • May 1, 2025
While there are considerably few charitable mergers now than 10 years ago in the UK the total value of merger delas in 2023-24 hit £192 million. And last year there was a 31% increase in mergers. Leading a merger whether it is a strategic opportunity or a last resort can be a nightmare, even when everyone is ‘on the same page’. The Charity Commission for England and Wales reported in its 2022 guidance on charity mergers that while mergers can deliver stronger services, cost savings are rarely immediate and cultural alignment is the biggest risk factor. Here we focus on the latter. Due diligence is non-negotiable. Beyond finances, leadership teams must examine organisational values, governance structures, and service delivery models. Engage, engage, engage stakeholders Research by ACEVO (Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations) found that poor communication during mergers was the leading cause of disruption and dissatisfaction among charity staff and volunteers. I remember walking into a room of board members of a recent LSVT who were all smiles, saying it had been a wonderful experience for all involved. An hour later I walked into a room of tenant representatives…. Guess what they told me? A totally different story! Engage early! Demergers are not failures. The NCVO (National Council for Voluntary Organisations) points out that demerging can sometimes be the best way to refocus mission and impact. Clear exit strategies and open communication are critical. Matt Cliff, CEO of the recently demerged Bradbury Fields told me he was energised to be focused on the organisation’s core purpose now. Tips to navigate success: ✅ Build a joint vision early ✅ Respect legacy and culture ✅ Communicate transparently with beneficiaries, funders, and the public Reflection: If your organisation is considering a merger (or undoing one), have you put culture and communication at the centre of the strategy? Whats App Barbra on 07952 311806 to share your thoughts on this article or email barbra@gleecoaching.com Share and repost to someone who you might think get some value from reading it. Sources: Charity Commission for England and Wales, Making Mergers Work: Guidance for Charities, 2022 ACEVO Speaking from Experience: Charity Mergers and Collaboration, 2021 NCVO, Thinking About a Merger? Practical Guidance for Charities, 2022 Eastside People Ltd -website accessed 27th April 2025
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