“Blue Monday” (19 January) has a reputation for being the most difficult day of the year - cold weather, short days and long nights, deadlines, exams, and motivation running low!
There’s no magic fix, but sometimes small and gentle plans can make days feel lighter.
Enjoy a meal out with friends
Catching up with friends over a meal is one of the easiest ways to lift your mood. It can be a proper sitty down meal, or something more casual and affordable. Sometimes, just having plans in the diary makes all the difference!
Sharing pizza or pasta with friends is a real comfort of mine.
I love Francesca’s in Jesmond. It’s especially good for indecisive people like me - they offer a half-pizza, half-pasta option so you don’t have to choose! A real student staple.
Another favourite is Rudy’s Pizza in town, serving authentic Neapolitan-style pizza and accredited by the Association of True Neapolitan Pizza (AVPN). Legit.
If you’re looking for something more budget-friendly, Uno’s offer a happy hour with selected pizza or pasta dishes for just £10.50, Monday to Friday - which is perfect for a relaxed lunch date!
And if tapas is more your thing, I’d highly recommend Café Andaluz, with loads of small plates to share and try.
Read a book in a new location
Sometimes a change is as good as a rest.
Having a change of scenery can make familiar routines feel different.
Recently I’ve been trying to find new places to read, for example sitting by the Tyne Bridge.
Taking myself on a quiet walk helped me switch off without having to use loads of energy.
If carrying around loads of books feels too much, you could try downloading an eBook or listening to an audiobook for free using Libby, the University’s digital reading app.
It’s linked to the Library, so you can borrow titles straight to your phone, tablet or Kindle, and read wherever you feel most comfortable.
Take a trip to the beach
If you’ve got time, a trip to the seaside can be a great reset! Even on colder days, the fresh air, wide skies and sound of the sea can feel very grounding.
Places like Tynemouth, Whitley Bay, King Eddy’s and Cullercoats are all easy to reach by Metro, making them fairly realistic options during term time.
So wrap up warm, grab a coffee, and I’d say don’t worry about staying too long - even a brief visit will help.
Take a stroll through Jesmond Dene
This is your reminder that you don’t have to leave the city to feel close to nature.
Walking along the winding river Ouseburn, there are trees and open paths, which can be a great way to clear your head.
Walking is such a simple way to get some movement into your day without the added pressure of exercising or making plans.
You could meet some friends, or just go on your own with a podcast or audiobook playing in the background.
Visit the Quayside
The Quayside is great for a slow wander, and is beautiful on brighter winter days.
Walk along the water, watch a boat pass, or sit and take a moment to appreciate the view.
It’s an easy option if you’re already in town or on campus and just want a short break without committing to anything (except getting back up Dean Street…)
Visit your favourite café
Comfort = coffee. Cake is good too...
And I always think working cafés can be a good middle-ground between studying at home and working in the Library, especially for lighter tasks like reading, planning, and decompressing.
Some of my favourites are Cafe 1901 and The Grand on campus.
Final Thoughts
If Blue Monday feels heavy, remember small plans make a big difference!
Take a break, and do what you can to get through the day!
Newcastle University has a range of support available – from Library services and study support to wellbeing resources – and it’s okay to use them in whatever way works for you.
By Mia, a fourth year Marketing and Management student and Student Content Creator