If you wake up feeling a little down this morning, don't worry, chances are the rest of the nation is too.
Monday, January 18 is being tagged Blue Monday, traditionally the day when everyone is feeling the most down.
Its the day the majority of people give up that all important New Year Resolution; start worrying about our finances and debt; usually have to cope with bad winter weather and this year, endure lockdown on top of the regular woes.
Here are some ways to beat the blues this January 18:
1. Take a screen break
As many of us are working from home, take five minutes out of your day to make a call to a relative or friend or just go outside for a breather, this can often shift stress and clear your mind.
You could try a five minute meditation, there are free Apps for your phone and take a few minutes to sit in a quiet place and relax before returning to your computer.
2. Get outside from fresh air
Set yourself some small fitness goals it could be from committing to walking around your garden a few times a day to helping charity with a virtual walk everyday.You could arrange to meet a friend for a socially distanced run. The benefits from physical activity and mental health are well documented and will give you a boost on Blue Monday.
3. Get on top of your debt
He said: "We found that this week is also when the majority of the UK has run out of money from their December pay, meaning that financial difficulties are likely to be one of the key stresses for people at the moment.
"Our advice is to prioritise any debt according to the APR. The higher the number, the more the debt will be costing you. Then look to see if you could save money by switching to a product with a lower interest rate. If you have a mortgage, consider remortgaging to a cheaper deal or extending the term of your existing mortgage to provide some relief now.
"If you find yourself in particularly tough circumstances, don’t go it alone. Charities such as Step Change and Citizens Advice are available to support you through financial difficulties and offer tailored guidance to help improve your circumstances."
4. Get active
Whether you want to take part in a HIIT class or lift weights or dance at a Zumba session, there are instructors throughout Ayrshire offering free classes via Zoom. There are also free Apps for your phone to help you stick to your Resolution to get fit during lockdown.
5. Organise a virtual cuppa and chat
Don't feel lonely this Blue Monday. Why not be proactive and set up an online brew and a blether with friends online. All you have to do is use your Zoom or Microsoft Teams to set up your meeting. Then boil the kettle and sit down and catch up. Feeling isolated during this lockdown is difficult for many so seeing some friendly faces on screen and sharing some chat will be a great mood boost.
Who to contact if you are feeling down?
The Samaritans are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Call 116 123.
Call Mind helpline on 0300 123 3393 or via text at 86463 or email the support team at info@mind.org.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here