The third Monday of January, so-called ‘Blue Monday’, is supposedly the unhappiest day of the year

This claim is based on an algorithm that factors in weather, pay, debt, time since Christmas, failure of New Year’s resolutions, low motivational levels and a general sense of needing to take action.  Some scientists have poured scorn on it all, and given that Blue Monday started as an advertising campaign for a travel company, they’re more than likely right.

Yet this is a miserable time of year.  The weather is cold and grey, we are bloated from the Christmas excesses and payday is a far-off dream.  What can we do to cheer ourselves up?

1.    Vitamin D
I’m no nutrition expert, but I know that vitamin D is vital for both physical and mental wellbeing.  It’s naturally obtained through exposure to sunlight and it’s hard to get enough from food alone.  When I take it I have fewer aches and pains, my skin looks better, my mood lifts and my immune system is stronger. Plus, I get to not develop rickets.  Ideally go for a liquid version and at least 2500 iu per day.

2.    Music
On no account should you put on big pants and swig from a bottle of wine whilst drunkenly sobbing “All By Myself” into your hairbrush.  That won’t do at all.  Put on some happy music, sing, and shake that booty.  See how much better you feel.  Ah go on.  Nobody’s watching.

3.    Exercise
I know, I know.  You’ve probably already broken whatever resolution you made and given how cold it is, I don’t blame you.  But if you can manage a stroll, a (dog) walk, or a swim, you’ll feel so much better.  Just something, every day really makes a difference to your mood.  Now get your butt off that chair and get on with it!

4.    Plan something lovely
Believe me, I’m all for loafing on the sofa, but sometimes the best things happen when you make yourself get up and do something.  Whatever floats your boat and won’t break the bank – whether it’s dinner with friends, a trip to the cinema or an afternoon in a country pub by a fire – you’ll have something to look forward to and be really glad you did it.

5.    Tick something off your list
Last weekend I hired a man with a van.  For £40 he removed years of accumulation from my loft, shed and gloomy under-stairs cupboard.  I’m now clutter free and have three spaces in my house I can actually use.  Reassessing then selling old clothes, kids’ toys and unused household stuff more than covered the removal fee.  Whatever your bugbear is, tackle it now.  Clean those windows.  Throw out whatever has an antediluvian “use by” date.  Grab a bin bag and get ruthless.  Soooooo satisfying.

So here’s a starting point: five ways to beat Blue Monday and stroll into February with a smile on your face.

How do you cheer yourself up?