Who's afraid of Blue Monday?

So apparently today is Blue Monday: the day someone decided we would all be hit with a heavy load of depression. This third Monday in January has been called this because it is thought to be caused by multiple factors: miserable weather, broken resolutions, post-Christmas debt and weight anxieties. Usually the credit card bills have dropped through the letterbox by now and the weight loss plan has gone awry. And the cold bleak weather which is acceptable at Christmas now becomes painful.

After the adrenaline rush of Black Friday way back in late November when we all lost our minds for a short period of time over the cheap price of electronic gadgets, and the wonderful mulled wine mist of Christmas we are now hit with nothing except long stretches of cold days and nights and not being able to go out because of bills. We sit on the sofa trying hard not to drink any alcohol because of Dry January (another term worthy of discussion) watching the endless award ceremonies where glamorous stars in designer clothes walk along sunlit red carpets in sunnier climes. Is it no surprise therefore that most of us feel a little less than gloomy?

Diet experts warn against eating and drinking too much sugar and caffeine products over this sad period: Apparently caffeine, found in coffee, cola and energy drinks, is often called a ‘drug’ as it acts as a stimulant and can improve the feelings of alertness, and counter the effects of fatigue. Therefore too much caffeine, particularly in people who are not used it, may cause the adverse effects of irritability and headache.

Hmm. So not only will we wake up feeling very depressed today, but we really shouldn't try to cheer ourselves up with a cup of coffee and a bar of chocolate. I don't expect a glass of wine is a good idea either. However, do not fear, I have come up with a few reasons why we should put Blue Monday back in its box and forget all about it:


1) Ligher Evening are on their way- It may be dark when you get up and when you get home from work. The trees are still bare. But at least it’s all going in the right direction now and today the sun will set at around 4.30 pm. It’s practically time to get the barbecue out.

2) Dry January - if you are taking part in not drinking all month, then you’re over halfway there.  Only twelve days to go until you can have a drink.  Or alternatively, if you are not taking part, then you've only go twelve days left of hearing people tell you how much better they feel and how much weight they’ve lost.

3) Broadchurch is on tonight and Wolf Hall starts on Wednesday -  need I say more?

4) Check out Facebook and YouTube for some photos of fluffy pictures of kitten/puppies/ducklings.  They always cheer me up.

5) Waitrose Pecorino and Basil Dip - out of this world delicious but not so good if you are trying to lose weight.    Enhanced by glass of white wine so not necessarily a good idea if you are doing Dry January (see 2 above).

6) Tomorrow is Tuesday and will no longer by Blue Monday.

Seriously though. It's only a day.