8 ways to beat the Blue Monday blues in Salisbury
Our top tips to beat the blues on the gloomiest day of the year.
Though January is synonymous with starting new habits and becoming the best version of yourself, it’s also home to ‘Blue Monday’ – the statistically saddest and gloomiest day of the year. But fear not! We’ve got you covered, with the best ways to beat the blues in Salisbury…
- Swap a sat down lunch break for a stroll around our beautiful historic city
Salisbury boasts some incredible little walking routes starting right in the town centre. Why not wander down to the Cathedral, walk around the close and have lunch on a bench overlooking its beautiful architecture? How about doing a quick loop of the town path or heading up to Bedwin street and exploring the Secret Garden?
- Book in an exciting event to look forward to
This week, Salisbury Playhouse welcomes stellar TV comic Tiff Stevenson as part of the Wiltshire Creative Comedy Club. Why not book a ticket with a friend and make a night of it - from a pre-show dinner at Cote Brasserie (including a free glass of bubbly for ticket holders*) to post-show cocktails at Caboose.
- Schedule in some social time
It’s all too easy to head home and plop down in front of the TV and not move, but why not change that habit for today and contact a friend or work colleague inviting them out for a drink and a catch up in one of our amazing Bars and Pubs. How about a treat-yourself-cocktail at Cosy Club, or a pint and nibbles in the cosy setting of the Old Ale & Coffee House…
- Spread some kindness and make someone else happy this Blue Monday
This can be as simple as: complimenting a colleague on a piece of great work they’ve done recently, texting your friend to tell they how much they mean to you or just simply trying to smile at people you pass on the street.
Want to go one step further? Pop to one of our great florists and grab a surprise bouquet for a loved one, or head to Casa Fina to find them the perfect little gift that says: ‘I just wanted to remind you how much you mean to me’.
- Practice gratitude
Research has shown that writing down the little things in life you are grateful for (from the sunshine to your family to your pet hamster) disconnects us from negative emotions by shifting focus to a more positive outlook. The benefits can be reaped from a single session but like interest, the benefits build and compound with frequent practice.
Why not pop over to Paperchase or Fisherton Mill and grab a lovely new notebook as well, and make gratitude journaling part of your routine?
- Take a loved one out to a dinner out at one of the incredible restaurants in Salisbury
From mouth-watering sourdough pizzas at Nole on the Square to a sumptuous steak at The Chapter House – Salisbury’s thriving restaurant scene has something for everyone.
Though some of Salisbury’s most popular restaurants aren’t open on Blue Monday itself, why not book in a treat for later in the week at places like Tinga or Lah Koh?
- Treat yourself to a hair makeover and pamper
Here in Salisbury, we are spoiled for choice when it comes to cutting edge (see what I did there) Hairdressers and independent salons. From stalwarts in Salisbury like Wendy Stevens and Jas Hair, to more recent additions like Muse and Sisu Cabella. We even have our very own Hair Extension Cave where Molly and team can sort you out an incredible hair transformation.
And for guys, don’t forget that Salisbury’s very own George Smith of Toni & Guy recently won the accolade of Men’s Hairdresser of the Year at the National British Hairdressing Awards.
- Brew Monday 2023
To combat Blue Monday, get involved with BREW Monday! An initiative run by the Samaritans on Blue Monday where everyone is encouraged to come together for a cuppa and a catch-up. It doesn’t matter whether you’re drinking green tea, coffee, orange juice or builders, if you’re sharing a drink and listening, you’re doing it right.
Why not head to buzzing Sonder Coffee or the Salisbury icon that is Henderson's and grab a cuppa?