Have a cuppa with someone …
I don’t know about you, but I find this time of the year quite challenging. Christmas is over, the New Year has begun and I have yet to see any improvement in the darkness that seems to be all around. Every morning as I walk Sally, my dog, I keep looking for the light, but it is yet to come.
For many people next Monday is one of the most difficult days in the year and has been designated by some as blue Monday. It’s the day when the credit card bills arrive and people realise they have little money for the coming month after all the celebrations of Christmas and New Year.
To counter ‘blue’ Monday, Monday is also designated Brew Monday which ties in nicely with Blue Monday. Brew Monday is a day, according to the Samaritans to catch up with people you care about.
The Samaritans web-site (https://www.samaritans.org/support-us/campaign/brew-monday/) suggests that while the third Monday in January is sometimes referred to as ‘the most difficult day of the year’ it is a myth. They say ‘at Samaritans we know there’s no such thing as ‘Blue Monday’ – we all have our good days and our bad days, and those aren’t for the calendar to decide.’
Brew Monday tries stop this myth and what the Samaritans advocate is having a brew with someone. They suggest reaching out and connecting with family, friends, colleagues and loved ones.
We all know how important it is to talk and to listen to people who maybe struggling with their mental health. A listening ear helps people to feel cared for and loved. The Samaritans say ‘we can always make time for a cuppa and a catch-up. It doesn’t matter if it’s a Monday morning or Saturday night, or if you’re drinking green tea, black coffee or orange juice. If you’re sharing a cuppa and listening, you’re doing it right.’
So why not call a member of the family or a friend and invite them for a brew.
Dean Sue