Feeling a little gloomy today? Well, fear not! It can only get better from here.

According to Psychologist Cliff Arnall of Cardiff University, the Monday of the last full week of January (or “Blue Monday” as it is called) is the most depressing day of the year.

There’s a simple reason for it too: The festive season is over and everyone has to return to their regular mundane existence, the bills from overzealous spending over the holidays are in, the weather is crappy, and most New Year Resolutions have failed.

But here’s the good news. There are easy ways of getting out of the gloom and start looking for that silver lining:

Turn that frown upside down: Simply trying to be happy usually works, especially if you spread the joy around. So greet people with a smile and strike up a positive conversation. Interaction with other people always lightens the mood.

Quit your fad diet and start eating healthy instead: Most fad diets are low in sugar and barely give you enough energy to get on with your day. Low blood sugar is also what puts you in a foul mood. Research shows eating healthy meals at regular intervals is far more effective than dieting anyway.

Take a hike: Any physical activity will lighten your mood, whether it be a brisk walk, a trip to the gym, a dance class or a tumble in the sheets.

Plan an escape: You don’t have to be unhappy. If you are, it probably has to do with your surroundings so rather than settling for a life of misery, figure out what is bringing you down and start looking for ways of getting away from it.

Remember that Blue Monday only strikes once a year: That means things can only get better from here. So whatever today feels like, tomorrow will be brighter!

[Original Source: Daily Express]