Wellbeing news, guides and resources for the banking community
If January feels like a slog, read this
How are you feeling today?
The answer may well be “a bit ‘meh’”, given the time of year. Days are short, the weather is cold, and the glow of the festive season has faded into distant memory. All these things add up.
So, this month, we're sharing a few gentle ways to lift your mood until spring arrives. But let's start with why winter affects us the way it does...
The challenges of January
There are plenty of reasons why you might not exactly be bouncing into the new year. Here are five of the most common:
The winter blues Around two million people in the UK experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) – a form of depression triggered by reduced natural light. It’s around three times more common in women than in men. Beyond that, over half of UK adults report milder 'winter blues' affecting their mood and energy. (Sources: NHS, YouGov, Royal College of Psychiatrists)
The festive hangover Many of us are counting the cost of an expensive December. According to the Bank of England, the average UK household spends an extra £713 during the festive season – around 29% more than in a typical month.
Debt runs deep For many households, the problems go deeper than a need to tighten belts. Earlier this week, debt advice charity StepChange revealed their helpline was busier last Monday (5 January) than any single day in 2025.
Social isolation Winter can feel especially lonely. Cold weather makes it harder for older people to get out and about, but younger adults are affected too. A study found that 58% of Gen Z (14-29 year-olds) feel lonelier in winter than at any other time of year – more than any other age group. (Source: Azar)
Strained relationships January can be a difficult month for relationships as well. Relate, our relationship counselling partners, say that enquiries surge more than six times their December level in January.
Insights from our community: winter's wellbeing impact
We’ve looked at how winter can affect people in general. But what does it look like for the banking community?
Last January, we asked 300 past and present bank workers how the colder months affect them. Many said they feel several pressures all at once:
75% said winter affects their mental wellbeing
59% reported it takes a toll on their physical health
27% felt it impacts their social lives
19% said it strains their finances
It shows that self-care is especially important at this time of year. But thankfully, that doesn’t mean any major life shifts.
Guide: 5 winter wellbeing reminders
Here are just a few small ways to make the dark days feel more manageable.
1. Embrace the elements Fresh air, movement and natural light all play a role in regulating our mood and energy. Even 15–20 minutes outdoors can make a difference, so it’s worth fighting the urge to stay inside in the warm all day. It helps if you wrap up, of course. As the old saying goes, “there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes.”
2. Get some natural light – early Light in the morning helps reset your body clock. Opening the curtains as soon as you wake – or stepping outside briefly – makes you feel more alert during the day and sleep better at night. In winter, when daylight is limited, that early dose works wonders for keeping energy levels steady.
3. Tackle your budget head-on If money feels difficult as the year begins, your instinct might be to avoid thinking about it. But leaving things unchecked can make the problem harder to deal with. Instead, take a clear look at what’s coming in, what’s going out and what’s left – you'll feel more in control. Ourfree and confidential budget planner can help you get started, and if debt is a problem, you’ll find useful resources at the end.
4. Make space for connection Feel like your social battery needs a charge after the hectic festive period? It's natural to want a little more space in January – but try not to withdraw completely. Remember that even small moments of connection can boost our sense of belonging and self-worth. That might be a phone call to a friend, grabbing a coffee, or simply a kind word to a stranger.
5. Hang on in there! January can feel as though it’s dragging its heels, but mid-winter is already behind us, and the days are getting longer. You don’t need to rush your way out of this season or make big changes. Taking things one day at a time is enough.
Managing stress and anxiety
The ideas we’ve shared can help take the edge off winter. But we also know that for many people, what they’re carrying goes deeper than the January slump.
When stress or anxiety start to shape everyday life, it can feel intrusive and hard to escape – affecting how you think, sleep and get through the day.
If that sounds familiar, you might be interested in our next webinar:
▶️ Managing stress and anxiety in a fast-paced world
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