Blue Monday and the Winter Blues: Supporting Wellbeing in Your School Community

Every January, the term “Blue Monday” circulates widely—often referred to as the “most depressing day of the year.” While the science behind Blue Monday is widely disputed, what is real is that many students and staff feel the impact of shorter days, colder weather, and the long stretch between winter and spring. For school communities already working hard to maintain motivation and connection after the Christmas break, this period can bring an added layer of challenge.

Rather than viewing Blue Monday as a single date, it can be more helpful to think about the winter blues as a seasonal dip in energy, mood, or engagement. Secondary schools are busy and demanding environments, and feeling a little flat at this time of year is both natural and common. Recognising the signs early—and putting supportive practices in place—can make a significant difference to the mental wellbeing of your staff and students.

Why Winter Affects Mood

During the winter months, reduced exposure to daylight can disrupt sleep cycles and lower serotonin levels—both of which play an important role in regulating mood and maintaining focus. Students may find it harder to get up in the morning, stay motivated, or feel enthusiastic about learning. Staff may experience their own dips in energy, making the school day feel heavier than usual.

These changes don’t necessarily indicate a serious mental health concern, but they do highlight the importance of nurturing wellbeing through small, consistent actions.

Creating a Supportive Environment in School

Schools already do so much to promote connection, routine, and a sense of belonging—key protective factors against low mood. During winter, even small adjustments can make a noticeable impact:

• Encourage movement: whether it’s brief times to simply stretch, outdoor time when possible, or active learning tasks, movement boosts energy and improves concentration.
• Create opportunities for connection: group tasks, peer support circles, and regular one-to-one check-ins help students feel seen and supported.
• Promote good habits: hydration, balanced eating, and regular sleep patterns can easily slip during winter. Gentle reminders can make a big difference.
• Normalise conversations about mood and stress: when students understand that feeling low sometimes is normal and not something to hide, they’re more likely to seek support early.

Using Our Planners to Support Student Wellbeing

Our Mental Wellbeing pages, included as standard in our Academic and Pocket student planners, include Top Tips on how to manage low mood and other worries, not just on Blue Monday but whenever students feel they need support during the year.

These pages include common worries such as:

• Feeling anxious
• Low Mood
• Eating
• Self-harm

As well as tips on self-help, all the pages include links for further help and advice too.

Looking Ahead with Optimism

Although winter can feel long, it’s also a season of reset. By acknowledging the winter blues and nurturing wellbeing across your school community, you help students develop healthy habits they can carry into spring and the rest of the year.

Academic Planners

Academic 16+ Planners

Pocket Planners

Pocket Planners 16+