How to beat Blue Monday

They call it Blue Monday, the most depressing day of the year.

But what's it all about?

Find out more about the Blue Monday phenomenon and discover the best ways to beat the January blues. 

What is Blue Monday?

Monday 26th is Blue Monday, and it's been calculated as the most depressing day you'll encounter all year!

So what's it based on? The complicated (pseudoscientific) equation takes into account all sorts of miserable factors, including the amount of time since Christmas, debt levels, low motivation and failed New Year's resolutions. Put all that together and it certainly doesn't sound like a barrel of laughs!

How to beat it

Forewarned is forearmed and there are plenty of things you can do to combat Blue Monday! Here are some of the day's depressing contributing factors, and the best way to bust those blues:

• Distance from Xmas: Don't be sad because it's over! The best thing for post-Christmas blues is to book exciting things to look forward to: concerts, gigs and trips to see friends or family.
• Failed New Year's resolutions: Already abandoned your resolutions? Remember, it's never too late. Now is the time to resurrect them, and this time you can make them more realistic so you're much more likely to succeed.
• Stress: With all the pressures of a new year, the stress can pile up. The solution? Laugh! Put on your favourite comedy DVD, read a hilarious book or even try fake laughing - it'll all do the job!
• Low motivation: Grand plans can leave you feeling overwhelmed, so for an instant hit of endorphins there's nothing better than a burst of exercise, whether you go for a run or just do some star jumps in your living room.
• Debt: It's big, it's scary, but there are things you can do. Call the National Government Debtline for advice, and take steps now to make sure next Christmas is debt-free.

The happiest day

It's not all doom and gloom - there's also a happiest day of the year! June 20th combines bright summer evenings, being outdoors in nature and nostalgic memories of childhood holidays, to make this the year's most joy-filled day.

And how should you celebrate this happy time? With a summer holiday, of course! You can make sure you get an excellent deal on an exotic location by booking it right now. Now that's a great way to beat the January blues!