Beat the January blues and celebrate friendship with chocolate gifts this Blue Monday

Stay cosy and celebrate the special people in your life with chocolate gifts — the ideal way to spread happiness this Blue Monday.

As we leave the festive holiday season behind and winter stretches before us, it can feel like summer is a long way off. However, winter’s embrace needn’t be sombre. While ‘Blue Monday’ is famed for its gloom, we see it as the perfect opportunity to embrace a little self-care and spread joy to others with chocolate gifts.

So, this Blue Monday, why not make the most of the season’s stillness and celebrate connection? After all, happiness is best shared — especially when it’s wrapped in chocolate.

What is Blue Monday?

Traditionally falling on the third Monday of January, Blue Monday is often cited as the gloomiest day of the year.

By the third week of January, the kids are back at school, and the reality of a New Year slowly settles in after a few weeks of Christmas festivities. With the added post-holiday blues and bleak weather, it’s no surprise that we may feel a bit out of sorts towards the end of January.

How to beat the Blue Monday feeling

Although there’s no scientific evidence that the third Monday of January really is the saddest day of the year, marking it can serve as a helpful reminder to take time for yourself, enjoy a day of celebrating friends, and appreciate the little things.

There are many simple yet effective ways to recharge to help lift your spirits and embrace the calm of the season. Here are a few of our favourites.

1. Go for a walk

Fresh air and exercise do wonders for your mood, so walking is an excellent way to beat that dreaded Blue Monday feeling. Taking a wander somewhere peaceful and green is sure to cheer you up, so pick a nice park or a pretty lake. It’s January, so it’ll probably be raining, but don’t let that put you off! Don your wellies and embrace your inner child by jumping in some puddles.

Nature has been scientifically proven to boost relaxation, from lowering stress hormone levels to boosting serotonin. So, a walk will really help if Blue Monday is getting to you. For maximum relaxation, you should unplug from technology, so put your phone away and just take in the crisp air and wintery surroundings.

For extra comfort, why not pack a flask of hot chocolate to enjoy along the way? Rich, velvety hot chocolate can add a touch of indulgence to your outing. Sipping it while surrounded by nature’s tranquillity can transform a simple walk into a restorative ritual.

Explore our Velvetiser library to find your favourite flavour combination — from mellow and creamy Vanilla White Hot Chocolate to the deeper notes of our 85% Dark, there’s something for every mood.

2. Cosy up with a book and a cup of hot chocolate

Alternatively, sip your cacao-rich hot chocolate from the comfort of your own home. There’s nothing quite like the soothing combination of a great story and a cacao-rich hot chocolate to brighten a winter’s day. Let the pages of a well-loved classic or a thrilling new tale transport you to another world, all while the velvety richness of your hot chocolate comforts you from the inside out.

Why not make it a social affair? Start a Blue Monday Book Club with friends, choosing a novel to read throughout January, then get together to discuss it over a warming mug of Velvetised™ hot chocolate and some melt-in-the-mouth chocolate biscuits.

3. Get mindful

As the world around us rushes about — work deadlines, life admin, family life — it’s important to take a moment to slow down. Mindfulness is the ideal tool, and you can even incorporate chocolate into your self-care routine.

Why not consider a mindful chocolate-tasting session? Choose a quiet spot, perhaps with a view or in a comfortable chair, and savour a piece of your favourite chocolate. Mindful eating is about exploring your senses, so focus on the textures, aromas, and flavours.

Think about:

• The sound of the chocolate box as you lift the lid from a Patisserie Sleekster, or the gentle rustle as you untie the ribbon on a bag of Chocolate Gemstones. Perhaps you hear the satisfying snap of one of our 40% Milk Chocolate Batons.

• The subtly sweet vanilla aroma of our Blondie Selector or the deep cacao notes of our Saint Lucian Island Growers 70% Dark Chocolate Slab Selector.
  
• The buttery, whipped texture at the centre as you take a bite of our Simple Milk Chocolate.
  
• The satisfying tang of the tart-pressed berries within our Raspberry Nutmilk Ganache Selector or the warming kick of chilli tempered by the golden caramel tones of our Spicy Maple Chocolate.

This mindful practice can help you be present, reduce stress, and appreciate where you are physically and emotionally.

4. Try a new hobby

If you’re feeling somewhat stuck in a rut as January draws on, why not try something new? Explore an activity you’ve never tried before or rekindle your love of an old hobby you haven’t had time for recently.

Baking can be the ideal winter activity. There’s no need to brave the cold weather, and you can treat yourself and others to your creations.

Try your hand at whipping up some cakes, brownies, or biscuits — and add a layer of chocolate for extra indulgence. If you need a little inspiration, take a look through our recipes. From Vanilla White & Raspberry Traybake to Orange & Gin Loaf Cake or Hazelnut & Pecan Brownies, you’re sure to find an opulent bake to take your fancy.

5. Treat your loved ones and spread happiness

Brightening someone else’s day is a wonderful way to lift your own spirits, especially on Blue Monday. Thoughtful gifts — big or small — show your loved ones you care and create moments of shared joy.

If you have time ahead of the day, consider popping a cacao treat in the post to surprise your friends or family members. Our Sleeksters and H-Boxes are perfect for fitting in the letterbox, so even if they’re not in when the post arrives, your loved one will have something to enjoy when they get home.

Alternatively, deliver your gift in person and see how it brightens their day. Think about your giftee’s taste preferences — do they enjoy milk chocolate? Are they a fan of nutty praline? Or do they adore chocolate recipes with vibrant chilli or ginger flavours? Either way, select something you know they’ll love

They’re sure to appreciate the gesture, and you’ll feel that warm fuzzy feeling as you celebrate kindness and connection while spreading chocolate happiness.

6. Celebrate with friends

You could take this sense of connection one step further, too. Surrounding yourself with positive people is a great way to avoid any Blue Monday sadness and infuse some much-needed sunshine into a bleak Monday in January.

You know that friend who always makes you laugh until your belly hurts? And the one who’s always there to greet you with a warm drink and an inviting smile? Friends like these are the perfect antidote to that Blue Monday feeling, so meet up with them for a catch-up and a good giggle. If your sunny friends don’t live close by, arrange a video call and have a virtual celebration instead. Just seeing their face and hearing their stories will bring a smile to your face.

Why not throw a Blue Monday dinner party or toast to positive times to come with your favourite cacao-infused tipple?

Spread happiness and beat the January blues with Hotel Chocolat

Blue Monday needn’t be a sad day. With loved ones to appreciate, fun activities to try, and a little chocolate treat or two to savour, we can all spread some happiness and celebrate the days to come. Explore our chocolate gifts and let this Blue Monday become a celebration.