Beating the most depressing day of the year

Today is Blue Monday, calculated to be the saddest day of the year based on amount of daylight, cold temperatures, lack of progress on New Year resolutions, and those Christmas bills coming in.  No one likes to start the week off a little bit blue, so here are my five tips on how to beat Blue Monday.

• Treat yourself. Order flowers to be delivered to work, book a massage or manicure for Monday night, or arrange a night out with the lads.  Making plans will help you look forward to ‘Blue Monday’ and ride it out with a smile on your face.  

• Cheer up the office.  Bring in a basket of fruit, homemade cakes, biscuits or doughnuts to help everyone at work feel a bit happier. It’s not just the sugar that’ll cheer them up – it’s the kind gesture on your part.
• Sweat it out. Book into an intense workout to sweat away any sadness.  Try a new boutique gym class, head out for a quick run or follow a YouTube exercise video at home. Dancing (like no-one’s watching!) to your favourite tunes is also a great way to boost your mood. 

• Download a funny podcast. Listen on your way to work if you walk or take public transport to set you up for the day.  My favourites are “My Dad Wrote a Porno” and recordings of Danny Baker’s Saturday morning show.  “This Paranormal Life” and “2 Dope Queens” are also popular choices.
• Dress up! If you’re feeling sad, putting on your best outfit, doing your hair, and making yourself look fabulous is a great way to boost your mood.  Be ready for the compliments and be sure to say thank you with a big smile.