January can feel hard. The festivities have faded, the decs are down, the days are short, and the wait for payday is loooooong. If you’re a little flat right now - we feel you. But you're not alone and that’s exactly why this year we’re doing Brew Monday - Ocean Bottle style. 🌊

What is Brew Monday?

Originally started by Samaritans, Brew Monday is a rework of “Blue Monday” often described as the “saddest day of the year.” Emotions don’t stick to calendar dates, but we’re here to gently remind each other that connection counts. Especially when it’s cold, dark and miserable outside.

Instead, Brew Monday invites us to pause, check in with someone, and share a small moment over a warm drink. It’s not about fixing people. It’s about creating intentional space for connection.

Why Connection Matters in Winter.

Humans are hardwired to connect. But in winter when the days are darker, vitamin D drops and routines shift inward, isolation can quietly build. When we feel disconnected, those low moods can deepen. Science says that even small social interactions can help lift our spirits. A smile. A text. A call. A brew shared, virtually or in person. They don’t need to be grand gestures - just real ones. 💛

Small Rituals That Make Room for Real Connection.

At Ocean Bottle, we’re big believers that small, intentional actions can make a massive difference. And they don’t have to be flashy, just meaningful.

• Make someone a brew - a warm cup can open the door to a deeper chat 🍵

• Suggest a short winter walk - fresh air, even in drizzle, can lift spirits 🚶

• Put your phone away - be present with another 🤗

• Refill your bottle and invite someone to do the same - hydration and company in one 💦

Connection doesn’t have to mean performance. It can mean presence, warmth and shared humanity. 🤝

5 Simple Ways To Mark Brew Monday.

1. Message one person you haven’t spoken to in a while to check in 📱

2. Invite someone for a five-minute brew break, virtually or IRL ☕

3. If you catch someone's eye - give them a warm smile, they’re contagious 😀

4. Go for a walk together - no agenda needed, just fresh air and good vibes 🚶

5. Make a warming drink for someone - bonus points for buying biccies and treats 🍫

Whether you’re full of beans or feeling low, Brew Monday is a reminder that even the smallest gestures, a refill, a check-in, a shared moment, can make a real difference. Kindness doesn’t cost a penny - which is just as well as payday is still a way off. 

Here’s to connection, warmth, and brighter days ahead. 🌅

If you, or someone you know needs extra support this season, Samaritans are available 24/7. You can call them free on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org. You can also explore mental health resources via Mind.