COFFEE shops and cafes around Leicester are today celebrating ‘Brew Monday’ – a day designed to lift spirits, and challenge ‘Blue Monday’, which is typically known to be the most depressing day of the year.
‘Blue Monday’, which falls on the third Monday in January (January 17), is considered to be the most depressing day of the year.
From post-Christmas bills to bleak weather, research found that pressures are said to peak on this day, with many feeling sad, unmotivated and depressed.
However, a national initiative called ‘Brew Monday’, encourages people to reach out for a cuppa and a catch-up with the people that they care about, and many Leicester businesses are fully on board with the idea.
Throughout the day, bosses at Bru Coffee and Gelato, which has a shop on Granby Street, will be filling their social media with a steady stream of jokes, puns and images throughout the day, which are designed to make people smile.
“Every year people talk about Blue Monday and it doesn’t seem right that a day should be written off as a miserable one before it has even started,” said Aftab Gaffar, director at Bru.
“Everyday is a new opportunity, so we took the opportunity and have turned it into a day of fun.
“As part of ‘Brew Monday’ we want to encourage people to do what makes them happy – such as having a chat with friends and family over a brew, or simply enjoying a coffee in their own company.”
Meanwhile The Exchange Bar is encouraging people to drop in for a ‘top notch’ latte at their site on Rutland Street.
“Let this serve as a reminder to check in with those you love, but how are they actually,” they said on their social media.
“Give them no excuse and catch up in a calm and safe space.”
‘Brew Monday’, is an initiative set up by the Samaritans, whose volunteers are busy handing out free teabags at railway stations across the country today, to raise awareness of the cause.
“At Samaritans we know there is no such thing as ‘Blue Monday’ – as we all have our good days and bad days and those aren’t for the calendar to decide,” said a spokesman.
“So we say it’s time to stop this myth about Monday being ‘blue’ and instead start a conversation over a brew! Reach out and connect with family friends, colleagues and loved ones.”
To find out more, visit: www.samaritians.org/brewmonday
By Louise Steel
