Tomorrow is Blue Monday, supposedly the most depressing day of the year. I’ve got to admit I’m a bit cynical and often wonder who makes up these days. However, there’s no denying it, January can be a tough month. Some of us bounce right into the New Year armed with a long list of good intentions and a spring in our step. For others it can be a struggle, leaving you feeling unmotivated, skint and overindulged. The good news is, I am on a mission to brighten up your January with some instant mood boosters. Here’s my round up of things to do to put a smile on your face and kick January’s ass.

Borrow a dog for the day
Borrow My Doggy is a bit like online dating but instead of matching you to a potential suitor it connects you to a dog in your local area that you can borrow for walks, weekends and holidays. There’s lots of research that shows owning a dog can reduce your stress levels. Spending just a few minutes stroking a dog can lower anxiety and blood pressure, and increase levels of serotonin and dopamine, two neurochemicals that play big roles in calm and wellbeing. As well as this getting outside in the fresh air and walking a dog is good for your health.

Wake up to your theme tune
You know that feeling when you hear a song for the first time in ages and you’re instantly transported back to a moment in time when you felt great?! Recreate those moments by kicking off your day with the ultimate feel good playlist. Music has the power to give us an instant emotional hit and boost your mood. According to research by Spotify and Cambridge University psychologist David Greenberg, the ideal wake-up tune will “start gently (even for just a few seconds) and then build,” and will contain positive lyrics “to get you out of a grumpy state and shift towards a feel-good attitude”. Be prepared to be dancing around the kitchen with your coffee.

Have a glass of sunshine delivered direct to your door
Forget about the freezing temperatures outside and take yourself off to sunnier climes with the ultimate summer cocktail. Aperol Spritz will be whizzing around the streets of London on Blue Monday delivering glasses of the lovely orange stuff direct to your door. Invite a friend over and start planning your summer break over a couple of glasses. All the details on how to get your delivery are on their website.

Hit Me Baby One More Time
Who ever said they didn’t want to know the dance moves to Britney Spears, Baby One More Time is lying. Let loose and have a laugh down at Frame, where you can learn the dance moves of all your favourite artists, including Britney. All the dance routines are based on the music videos so unleash your inner pop star and shake your booty down at your local Frame studio.

Start the day laughing
Comedy AM is the world’s first morning comedy club. These guys are on a mission to boost your wellness through laughter. Research shows that laughter decreases stress hormones and increases immune cells, it also triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural ‘feel good’ chemicals so there’s a couple of good reasons to get along to one of their events. With stand-up sessions kicking off as early as 6.30am, you can easily squeeze in a giggle before work.

Whatever you do this Monday, have a good one.

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