Blue Monday and healthy habits
January 19, 2026, marks Blue Monday, often called the “saddest day of the year.” While the label started as a marketing gimmick, it resonates because winter brings real challenges: short days, cold weather, post-holiday fatigue, financial stress, and pressure to stick to New Year’s resolutions.
Tips for coping with the winter blues
- Connect with someone: Talk to a friend, family member, or mental health professional. Sharing how you feel can help lift your mood.
- Move your body: short walks, stretching, or gentle exercise boost serotonin and endorphins.
- Set small goals: Completing simple tasks provides a sense of control and progress.
- Practice self-kindness: If motivation is low, rest, nourish your body, and remind yourself these feelings are temporary.
- Check your habits: Sleep, nutrition, activity, and daily routines all impact your mental health- small, consistent changes make a big difference.
How to Create (and Maintain) Healthy Habits Virtual Session
The Health, Safety and Wellness team is hosting a virtual session: “How to Create (and Maintain) Healthy Habits”, presented by Homewood Health, our new Employee Family Assistance Program provider, on Wednesday, January 21, 11:00–12:00 PM.
Aligned with the week of Blue Monday (Jan 19) and Bell Let’s Talk Day (Jan 21), this session is a great opportunity to both learn more about our EFAP provider and explore realistic, approachable ways to build habits that fit into everyday life. It’s a fitting conversation as we begin the new year: focused on well-being, connection, and practical support.
What you’ll take away:
- Learn strategies to create and maintain healthy habits
- Learn the key components of a habit
- Explore how to handle lapses when they happen
- Gain more information about our new EFAP provider
We look forward to you joining us for this engaging session!
Everyone who registers will be entered in a draw to win a prize!
Register today on Working at Mohawk.
- Please note, that upon registration you will receive a confirmation email including an Outlook invitation and webinar link to access this session.
- If you require assistance using My Learning, please visit MyMohawk for User Guides & Online Tutorials or by visiting the following path (MyMohawk > Human Resources > Organizational Development > My Learning).
Be sure to check out the Events Calendar for more upcoming Health, Safety & Wellness events. If you have any questions, concerns, or require accommodation or communication supports please email OHSMohawk@mohawkcollege.ca
Resources:
Even if Blue Monday is just a cultural concept, it’s a helpful reminder to check in with yourself, adopt supportive habits, and reach out if you need help.
- For students: Health & Wellness Centre | Mohawk College
- Employees:
Our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers confidential support and resources for mental health, stress management, and overall wellness: Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Homewood Health.
Access resources without registering
- Step One: Visit www.homeweb.ca and click ‘sign in”
- Step Two: Enter email: MohawkCollege@Efap.com, Password: MohawkEFAP#1
Register for a private account (optional)
- Step One: Visit www.homeweb.ca and click ‘Register’.
- Step Two: Type your company name and click ‘Find it!’ Select the correct company from the list provided. Enter information into the required fields, Invitation Code for Mohawk College: MC7480 choose an email and password and click ‘Next Step’.
- Step Three: Let us know your relationship to the organization (e.g. employee, spouse, dependent, etc.) and click ‘Next Step’
- Step Four: Enter the Necessary Information and click ‘Create a Homeweb Account’.
Phone: Employees, and their immediate family, may call Homewood Health at 1-800-663-1142, anytime 365 days of the year.
Please be assured that when you use the program, it is completely confidential.