Beating the January blues

As memories of Christmas fade, the skies continue to darken, and all we’re left with is a bulging waistline and hammered bank account, some of us could be forgiven for feeling a little less than chipper.

Some would say that a combination of the above factors come together in a perfect storm for a single day that has the dubious distinction of being named the most depressing day of the year – Blue Monday, which this year will fall on 21 January.

Originally conceived by a PR company on 24 January 2005, Blue Monday has now become something of an annual event. The date is generally reported as falling on the third Monday in January, but can also fall on the second or fourth Monday, or even the Monday of the last week of January.

Blue Monday was supposedly calculated by a university professor using a formula based on a series of not exactly scientific factors, such as the weather, debt levels (specifically, the difference between debt and our ability to pay), the amount of time since Christmas, time since failing our new year's resolutions, low motivational levels and the feeling of a need to take charge of the situation.

So what can you do to help banish the winter blues?

Why not exercise, start an activity you've wanted to do for ages, or enjoy time with friends and family? You could also brighten up Blue Monday for you and your colleagues by organising a fundraising event in aid of our charity partner, Action for Children.

Click here to print off and display Action for Children’s Blue Monday poster, for suggestions on fundraising ideas and more on what you can do to support your mental and emotional wellbeing.

Remember, the money you raise will support some of the most disadvantaged children and young people across the UK.

For more ideas, support or materials please contact royalmail@actionforchildren.org.uk or call 020 3124 0657.