What is Blue Monday, and how can Kumon help?

“Blue Monday”, the third Monday in January, is said by many in the UK to be the most depressing day of the year. This coming Monday stands out due to its position on the calendar – the weather is often miserable, the fun of the Christmas holidays is behind us, and payday is still in the distant future!

But is there really any evidence to support that this Monday is particularly difficult for people in the UK and Ireland? The term was originally created by a UK travel company, claiming they had developed an algorithm that demonstrated ‘Blue Monday’ was the most depressing day of the year. Their recommendation was that people should book their summer holidays on this day – there wasn’t really any scientific validity to the claim at all!

Despite the questionable basis Blue Monday, it’s undeniable that many people find it a down period of the year. The shorter days and decreased amount of sunlight can affect our hormones and impact our sleeping and eating habits, all with knock-on effects on how we feel in January and the wintertime.

Perhaps the best way to overcome the seasonal downturn is to focus on our mental health and self-care. We can all make incremental changes that maximise our happiness. Drinking lots of water, improving our diets and getting a decent amount of exercise can make a significant difference in how we feel throughout January, so it’s little wonder that gyms and fitness centres are busy this month.

But what if you really feel blue or unsettled in January? If you spend your lunch break daydreaming about what you could achieve in another job, or if your workday leaves you feeling burnt out and drained of energy, maybe this year could be the push you need to consider a change of career?  

If working in education, with local children in your community, sounds appealing, you can use your skills, knowledge and passion for learning by opening your own Kumon centre. Whatever your profession, Kumon offers an attractive option for those who are searching for a better work-life balance in a role that allows them to continue to use their corporate or professional expertise in a rewarding and satisfying environment. Being a Kumon Instructor offers you the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of your students as you deliver individualised, tailored support to children, all while enjoying the flexibility of being your own boss and organising your work life around your life and family.

The unique Kumon Maths and English Programmes were developed over the course of the past 60 years and are individualised to deliver proven academic results, regardless of a child’s age or ability. With the supplementary education market expanding year on year, and over 11.5 million potential Kumon students across the UK and Ireland, you can turn that passion into a reality by running your own Kumon study centre, fully supported by a global brand with a well-established franchise business model. Kumon already offers after-school maths and English programmes to over 50,000 children across the UK and Ireland, at more than 600 local study centres.

Kumon is looking for driven professionals who are passionate about education, children, and helping them to build brighter futures.

Click here to see if your area has capacity for a new centre, or if there is an existing centre up for sale, and begin your Kumon journey today.