Beating the January Blues: A Corporate Wellbeing Reset

January can feel like a long, uphill climb after the festive season. With the excitement of Christmas behind us and the New Year bringing a return to routine, many people find themselves battling the January blues. Energy dips, motivation wanes, and stress can creep in, making it harder to start the year on the right foot.

For many, these feelings may be linked to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a form of depression that typically occurs during the darker winter months. Reduced exposure to natural sunlight can disrupt serotonin levels, sleep patterns, and overall mood, leaving employees feeling low in energy, unmotivated, and less productive.

So how can businesses help their teams navigate this challenging month and set the tone for a productive and positive year ahead? By prioritising corporate wellbeing.

Here are some effective ways to support your team’s mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing this January:

1. Encourage Movement with Office-Friendly Yoga

Exercise is a proven mood booster, but finding time for a full workout can feel impossible in a busy workday. Simple, desk-friendly yoga or group sessions can energise teams, reduce stress, and foster better focus.

Try incorporating these poses to combat lethargy and boost mood:

• Seated Forward Fold: Relieves tension in the back and hamstrings while encouraging a sense of calm.

• Gentle Twists: Sitting tall and twisting the torso helps release stiffness from long hours at a desk.

• Shoulder Rolls & Neck Stretches: Perfect for quick stress relief and relaxation at work.

• Supported Backbends: Opens up the chest, improves breathing, and energises the nervous system.

BOOK WITH GLO: We offer on-site yoga sessions tailored for office spaces, helping teams reduce stress and feel recharged during the workday. Our expert instructors create inclusive, easy-to-follow sessions perfect for all abilities.

2. Focus on Nutrition to Power Performance

What we eat has a direct impact on energy levels, mood, and concentration. Post-holiday habits can leave teams feeling sluggish, so encourage healthier choices by sharing simple nutritional tips:

• Fuel with Complex Carbs: Foods like lentils, oats, and whole grains stabilise energy levels and help boost serotonin.

• Boost with Omega-3s: Wild salmon and other omega-rich foods are great for brain function and reducing low moods.

• Snack Smart: Provide healthy office snacks like bananas (rich in vitamin B6) or dark chocolate (a mood booster with endorphins).

• Hydrate: Encourage hydration with water stations or herbal teas to keep focus sharp and fatigue at bay.

BOOK WITH GLO: Treat your team to a Nutrition Workshop with Glo’s experienced wellbeing practitioners. Whether it’s exploring healthy eating, superfoods, or boosting energy levels, our sessions provide actionable advice for better nutrition.

3. Promote Mindfulness & Meditation

Mindfulness and meditation are powerful tools for reducing stress, improving focus, and supporting overall mental wellbeing. Encourage teams to carve out moments of calm during the workday with these simple techniques:

• Mindful Breathing: A one-minute breathing exercise helps reset the mind. Focus on slow, deep breaths to promote relaxation.

• Mindful Observation: Encourage employees to take a short break to observe something natural (e.g., plants, clouds, or the view outside). It’s a great way to reset a busy brain.

• Guided Meditation: Offer access to meditation apps or schedule 10-minute group meditations to start or close the workday.

BOOK WITH GLO: Bring calm to your workplace with our Meditation and Mindfulness Workshops. Our experienced practitioners guide teams through simple exercises that reduce stress and improve focus, helping employees reset and recharge.

4. Provide Tools for Self-Reflection and Growth

January often brings reflection on personal and professional goals. Supporting your team’s growth can boost morale and motivation. One helpful exercise is the Wheel of Life, a coaching tool that encourages individuals to evaluate key areas of their lives and set intentions for improvement.

How to use the Wheel of Life:

• Identify 8 areas of life (e.g., career, health, relationships, personal growth, finances).

• Rate satisfaction in each area on a scale of 1-10.

• Focus on areas that score lower and brainstorm small, achievable steps to create balance.

BOOK WITH GLO: Empower your team with Life Coaching Sessions. Our expert coaches help employees set achievable goals, develop actionable plans, and foster a sense of clarity and direction for the year ahead.

5. Foster Connection and Team Wellbeing

The social buzz of December gives way to a quieter January, which can leave employees feeling isolated or disconnected. Combat this by creating opportunities for connection and collaboration:

• Team Wellbeing Challenges: Encourage steps, hydration, or gratitude challenges to boost team morale.

• Wellbeing Workshops: Invite experts to lead sessions on stress management, sleep hygiene, or mindfulness.

• Check-Ins: Schedule regular one-to-ones or team meetings to provide support and check in on wellbeing.

• Celebrate Wins: Acknowledge achievements, no matter how small, to keep motivation high.

BOOK WITH GLO: Build stronger teams with our Workplace Wellbeing Packages. Whether it's stress-busting workshops, mindfulness sessions, or team massage therapies, we offer a range of solutions to support your team’s connection, health, and happiness.

Start the Year as You Mean to Go On

January is an opportunity for businesses to prioritise the health and happiness of their teams. By focusing on movement, nutrition, mindfulness, and meaningful connection, organisations can help their teams overcome the post-holiday slump and the challenges of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

Enquire with us today to make corporate wellbeing easy and impactful. From on-site yoga and massage to tailored wellbeing workshops, we bring relaxation and renewal directly to your office, helping your team feel their best.

Here’s to a positive and healthy start to 2025!