The new research conducted by Bassetts Vitamins has seen February crowned “the most Monday of months” by 42% of people. The dreary weather (69%), freezing temperatures (68%), short days (52%), tight finances (30%) and a long slog until spring (43%), were all reasons that make Brits want to banish February from the calendar.
In fact, move over January, as 1 in 10 people - rising to 1 in 5 Gen Zs (21%) - think February is the gloomiest of all the months (13%), where 45% admit to being unmotivated throughout Feb.
With the sparkle from New Year faded, 3 in 10 (30%) people have already given up on their New Year's resolutions, through a loss of motivation (48%), life getting in the way (40%) or just being bored of them (32%).
However, despite everything, Brits are open to change, with 63% eager to add a sense of fun to the month, and 85% saying it's the little things that can bring the most joy. From watching a comedy (27%), listening to a podcast (11%) or laughing with loved ones (43%).
So, to combat the nation's seasonal slump, Bassetts Vitamins has released its Fun-uary Calendar, with Natalie Cassidy, challenging the nation to take on one fun task each day. Inspired by the much-loved advent calendar, the Fun-uary Calendar will challenge adults to take on 28 simple tasks to provide a daily injection of fun throughout the month.
The activities in the calendar, crowdsourced from people across the UK, will ask people to carry-out activities found to bring people joy. Whether that is spending time with loved ones (81%), meeting-up for a coffee (34%), giving a friend or family member a hug (37%) or even revisiting little traditions (19%).
And these small tasks have been tested-out by Natalie Cassidy as part of her role in the campaign, including drawing smiley faces on fruit, playing on the swings and giving a funny voice to objects.
Hannah Gardner, Head of marketing and category development for Bassetts Vitamins says: “As the Bassetts Vitamins is the home of delicious, colourful and squidgy vitamins, we know how important it is to encourage people to indulge in a moment of fun each day - especially during the bleaker winter months. We’re therefore thrilled to be launching our first ever “Fun-uary Calendar” encouraging people to enjoy some fun tasks while embracing the simple habit of taking their once-a-day vitamin gummy.”
Natalie Cassidy says: “I’ve actually never been a big fan of February therefore it’s been great fun taking on the tasks from the Bassetts Vitamins Fun-uary Calendar… I never would’ve thought putting googly eyes on objects would be quite so fun.
"And it’s clear with 53% of people voting February just as gloomy if not gloomier than January, everyone else should try out the calendar too. Plus, it’s been such an easy way for me and my family to keep up the habit of taking our once a day vitamins.”
Brit’s top 10 fun inducing activities
- Laughing with loved ones (43%)
- Watching a comedy (27%)
- Making someone laugh (26%)
- Enjoying a night in with friends (23%)
- Baking your favourite treat (12%)
- Having a pamper session (12%)
- Playing a puzzle or board game (11%)
- Listening to a feel good podcast or playlist (11%)
- Watching funny videos of animals (11%)
- Doing arts and crafts (10%)