Short daylight hours, cold weather, post-Christmas finances, and the long stretch until spring can all combine to make things feel a little heavier than usual.
But in recent years, there’s been a welcome shift in tone — Brew Monday.
Rather than focusing on gloom, Brew Monday encourages us to pause, put the kettle on, and check in with one another.
It’s a simple idea, but a powerful one: a hot drink, a conversation, and the reminder that none of us has to struggle alone.
What Is Brew Monday?
Brew Monday is about connection, not cures. It’s not about pretending everything is fine or forcing positivity. Instead, it invites people to create space for honest conversations — whether that’s over a mug of tea, a coffee, or any warm drink that brings comfort.
The message is clear:
listen more, judge less, and make time for others.
For many, January can be emotionally draining. Brew Monday acknowledges that reality and gently counters it with warmth and human contact.
Why January Can Feel So Tough
There’s no single reason January can be difficult, but common factors include:
The comedown after Christmas and New Year
Financial pressures following the festive season
Dark mornings and early nights
Cold, grey weather limiting social activity
Expectations to “start fresh” or make big life changes
Brew Monday doesn’t try to fix these overnight. Instead, it recognises that sometimes the most meaningful support comes from being present.
How to Mark Brew Monday
You don’t need a big event or grand gesture. Brew Monday works best in small, genuine ways:
Invite a friend or neighbour round for a cuppa
Call someone you haven’t spoken to in a while
Check in with colleagues beyond polite small talk
Sit with a family member and really listen
Take a moment for yourself with a calming drink
Even a short conversation can make a difference.
Brew Monday at Home and at Work
At home, Brew Monday can be as simple as slowing down. Put the kettle on, turn off distractions, and give someone your full attention — including yourself.
At work, it’s an opportunity to foster kindness and understanding. A shared tea break, a quiet check-in, or an open invitation to talk can help create a more supportive environment, especially during a month when motivation can dip.
When a Brew Isn’t Enough
While Brew Monday encourages connection, it’s also important to acknowledge that some people may need more support. If someone is struggling, listening is vital — but so is knowing when to point them towards professional help.
In the UK, organisations like Samaritans are available 24/7 for anyone who needs someone to talk to, whether they’re in crisis or just feeling overwhelmed.
A Small Act with a Big Impact
Brew Monday reminds us that kindness doesn’t have to be complicated. A warm drink, a shared moment, and a willingness to listen can help cut through the isolation that January sometimes brings.
So today — and any day that feels heavy — put the kettle on.
You never know how much that simple act might mean to someone.
https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/