Five ways to ease the Blue Monday blues

Friday, 16 January 2026 10:40

Wiltshire Council has launched a new mental health and wellbeing video to coincide with Blue Monday - 19th January 2026.

The video produced by Wiltshire Public Health, aims to support mental health and wellbeing and provides practical advice around the five ways to improve your mood. It also highlights key services and strategies for those struggling with their mental health.

Cllr Clare Cape, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Co-ordination with the NHS, said, “As we hit Blue Monday, we’re launching our mental health and wellbeing video and hoping to change the narrative by supporting wellbeing and contributing to brightening the dark January days.

“Mental health is just as important as our physical health, it shapes how we think, feel, and cope with life’s challenges. In Wiltshire, we’re committed to supporting mental health and wellbeing for everyone. Our new video provides practical advice around the five ways to wellbeing and signposting: from self-care and local activities and support to professional help for issues that affect mental health day to day.

“Winter blues associated with the dark days is something I’ve long recognised in myself and these Five Ways to Wellbeing are great ideas which I try and follow.”

Winter Five Ways to Wellbeing:

Connect - Invite a friend for a hot drink catch up
Be Active – Go for a brisk daylight walk, even if it’s just 10 minutes or something else that works for you. We often tend to avoid going outdoors in the winter but connecting to nature whilst moving can really lift mood and energy
Take Notice – watch daylight slowly increases after the winter solstice
Keep Learning – try a new craft or creative skill, or start a new book, podcast or documentary. Goals in winter don’t need to be huge, it encourages slowing down and focusing on smaller wins.
Give – Check in on a neighbour or loved one, especially during the cold winter months.

Link to video on YouTube - Mental Health & Wellbeing

Information about local activities to improve wellbeing and support groups can be found on the Wiltshire Council Website, Mental health and wellbeing - Wiltshire Council, including Wellbeing cafes, Wellbeing walks, the Men’s Wellbeing in Nature Programme, and Rethink Mental Illness groups and lots more.

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