A new wellness initiative aimed at addressing men’s mental health is set to launch at King’s Cross as part of its Mind Your Brain campaign. Known as MANDAY, the programme begins on Blue Monday, 20 January 2025, and offers men a space to prioritise self-care while raising awareness about mental health challenges.
MANDAY includes men-only sessions in wood-fired saunas and cold plunge pools, activities designed to promote relaxation and mental health. Tickets for the sessions cost £9, with £1 from every sale donated to CALM, a suicide prevention charity.
Musician and CALM ambassador Professor Green, who attended the launch, highlighted the importance of the initiative. “Mental health is vital yet often misunderstood, especially for men,” he said. “Suicide is the leading cause of death for men under 50. MANDAY is a safe space to reflect, recharge, and talk. It’s time to break the stigma and support each other.”
The dedicated men-only sessions will take place on Mondays at 10am and 2pm, each lasting 50 minutes. Tickets are available now at www.slomo.me/slomo-kings-cross.
Expanded Wellbeing Campaign Returns
MANDAY forms part of the broader Mind Your Brain campaign, which returns for a six-week run from 17 January to 2 March 2025. Curated by Rob da Bank and Josie da Bank, co-founders of Slomo Wellbeing, the campaign offers a retreat from busy city life with activities designed to boost both physical and mental wellness.
This year’s programme features two wood-fired saunas, three cold plunge pools, and a six-person ice tank, all centred around a roaring fire. Visitors can enjoy exfoliating salt scrubs and showers after their sessions, which are known to improve brain health, reduce inflammation, and enhance blood flow.
New offerings for 2025 include hot yoga sessions for cold winter days, the multi-sensory Aufguss sauna ritual, and dedicated sessions for women, including Sauna Sisters gatherings. Silent saunas will also be available for those seeking a quieter, meditative experience.
The campaign’s popular Sunday Best sessions return this year, blending sauna time with unique experiences such as gong baths, acoustic performances, and comedy around the fire.
Speaking about the initiative, Rob da Bank said, “We aim to create social spaces where people can slow down and connect. The sauna is a great leveller, and we’ve seen it help people open up and talk, which is why MANDAY is such an important addition this year.”
The Science Behind Wellness
Dr Susanna Søberg, founder of The Søberg Institute, has championed contrast therapy as a way to improve mental and physical health. Her research highlights the benefits of short, deliberate cold plunges and sauna sessions, which can improve metabolism, reduce inflammation, and boost mood by triggering the release of dopamine and norepinephrine.
King’s Cross will donate £1 from each MANDAY ticket to CALM, encouraging men to support mental health while embracing self-care. More information about the campaign and other wellness offerings at King’s Cross can be found at www.kingscross.co.uk.
