From Blue to Brew

As January unfolds and the winter blues set in, many people find themselves dreading the arrival of the third Monday of the month – commonly known as Blue Monday. Not me though. As I've made clear in previous years, I completely reject the notion of Blue Monday.

Instead, I choose to embrace the delightful alternative that invites us to turn the tables on the gloom and make this day one of warmth and connection. Welcome to Brew Monday, a celebration that focuses on the power of a good cuppa and human connection to lift our spirits.

Blue Monday has long been associated with feelings of depression and melancholy. However, celebrating Brew Monday encourages a positive shift in perspective. Instead of focusing on the negative aspects of winter and the challenges that the month may bring, it prompts us to find joy in simple pleasures like sharing a cup of tea or coffee with friends and colleagues.

For my part, it proved challenging to find someone who was free to go for a drink with this year. Regardless, I found myself a quaint little cafe named Cafe Fika, which I'd never visited before, and just immersed myself in the hum of being around other human beings whilst enjoying a relaxing warm beverage. To be fair, I did also have the company of my laptop which allowed me to engage in some human interaction of my own when I caught up with a few people on Skype. All while enjoying a rather delicious sugar donut.

While Blue Monday may leave you feeling cold and isolated, Brew Monday offers the comfort of a warm brew. Whether it's a steaming mug of herbal tea, a bitter black coffee or, my personal favourite, a rich cup of mocha, the act of brewing and sipping a hot beverage can be incredibly soothing, providing a moment of respite from the winter chill.

Brew Monday places a strong emphasis on human connection. Instead of succumbing to feelings of loneliness, take the opportunity to reach out to friends, family, or colleagues for a virtual or in-person coffee break. Sharing a brew creates a sense of togetherness and reminds us of the importance of community support during challenging times.

Blue Monday often draws attention to mental health challenges, but Brew Monday takes a more proactive approach. By engaging in conversations over a warm drink, individuals can express their feelings, share experiences, and provide support. This simple act can contribute significantly to mental well-being and foster a sense of understanding and empathy.

Celebrating Brew Monday is accessible to everyone. Unlike the commercialized nature of Blue Monday, which sometimes involves spending money on self-care activities, Brew Monday invites people to connect without financial strain. A cup of tea or coffee is an affordable and inclusive way for people of all backgrounds to participate in the celebration.

So, there you go; Brew Monday offers a refreshing alternative to the somber narrative of Blue Monday. By shifting our focus from the negative aspects of winter to the warmth of human connection and a comforting brew, we can transform a potentially gloomy day into one filled with shared moments of joy. Why not swap the blues for brews this January and make the third Monday a day of connection, kindness, and positivity? Cheers to Brew Monday!