How to beat Blue Monday: Telegraph readers' secrets to happiness in January

Mondays can be tough. And none more so than the third Monday of January which, for anyone who finds the first day of the week a slog, is said to be the most depressing of them all.

Like a number of well worn factoids, ‘Blue Monday’ has a marketing department to thank for at least part of its origin story. The concept is said to have taken-root in the national psyche thanks to a travel company press release aimed at inspiring people to purchase a holiday in order to stave off the so-called January blues.   

Psychologist Dr Cliff Arnall gave further credence to the idea when he suggested the heady brew of dark cold January nights, collapsed New Year’s resolutions, and stretched post-Christmas finances serve to create the perfect conditions for the ultimate miserable Monday. 

January has form. We’ve already passed 'Divorce Day’ on 8 January, the first Monday of the year when couples are most likely to find the help of a lawyer and demand a speedy divorce.

And while 'Blue Monday' might seem like an ample opportunity for a pessimist free-for-all, the negative connotations surrounding the day were never intended, Mr Arnall admitted last year. 

Telegraph readers, however, can provide a more balanced take on the January blues. Here we round up your best comments, left on articles about friendship, canine companionship and getting outdoors.

Consider this your authoritative readers' guide to beating Blue Monday.

Are you feeling buoyant instead of blue on Blue Monday? Share your secrets to happiness in the comments section below. To join the conversation simply log in to your Telegraph account or register for free here.     

Connect with other people

@Lucille Grant: "I have met and made a lot of new (mainly younger) friends through Twitter and our mutual love of books and writing. I have met some IRL and as a divorced 70-year-old it has made so much difference to my life."

@Ernest Corby: "Having to get about in a wheelchair I greatly enjoy chit-chit on buses, and generally."

@Liz Harrison: "Get rid of these AI implements and have people talking to people - and counsellors within the workplace, shopping malls, churches, pubs, etc.

"A bit of human kindness and cognitive connectivity solves most problems."

Get out and see the sun (or the stars) 

@jack thelad: "I moved out of the city so I could see dark skies. Looking at the stars you feel as though you are one very small organism in a very large space. Awesome."

@Philip Donovan: "To commune with nature centers one in a good place; peaceful, contemplative and reconnected.  

"I recommend "What Is Landscape?" by John R Stilgoe."

@Marvin Taylor: "For me the hardest part of winters here in Norway is the months of darkness, not the snow or cold weather. It is important to get out when it is nice outside or when it is daylight, if you can.

"You will also see Norwegians sitting outside coffee shops when it is freezing outside if the sun is out, any reason to go out and catch some sun. I have to say it works."

@Ann Lyon: "I am four months into early retirement, and part of my plan is to take the opportunity to get outside when the sun is shining.

"In previous years, I've prescribed myself a week in Tenerife in January, but not sure at present how far the pension will stretch!"

Add some light

@M Nixon: "By 3.30 p.m. in November we switch on lamps, at least one in every living room, and when darkness falls we add more lamplight, to light up the interior of the house. No switching off lights every time we leave a room, only to switch it on again upon re-entering.

"This way we don’t expose ourselves to gloom, which undoubtedly brings on SAD. Our home is well-lit and looks warm and inviting."

Change your outlook on life

@Richard Kenward: "To paraphrase Monty Python; always look on the bright side of life."

@Roz Adams: "I think it is important to make friends with yourself first. Be able to be fine on your own - to keep yourself amused, not bored and whiny.

"If you are unable to do this, you will be a dependent friend, who is likely to be a drain on others."

@susan pritchard: "A therapist once asked me to write down all the good things that happened during the day. I said I could not because it was only bad things that happened but it made me think about my outlook."

"So I did what she said and slowly and surely a transformation took place. I realise it was all about how I chose to see things and that I could be in control of that. It was my decision and I could decide how I responded to everything that happened.

"It’s often a simple thing that makes all the difference."

@defacto defacto: "What got me out of my depression was in order of effectiveness: medication, talk therapy, physical exercise and a review of what I wanted to achieve in life."

Move your body 

@Anthony Weight: "I'm 59yrs old and yesterday I went surfing. It was big and scary and the water temperature was 10 degrees. I got some big ones. I feel utterly on top of the world now and will do for days. Bring it on!"

@David Jory: "I pedal about the city on what I call my 'bicyclic antidepressant'."

@mike james: "I've been an exponent of Welsh Yoga (Llap Myndodd) for many years now. I practice for an hour or so every morning and I find it gives me a complete spiritual and physical workout.

"Of course, to the uninitiated it looks like I'm merely drinking a cup of tea, reading the paper and eating a bacon sarnie."

Get a four-legged friend

@Duncan Andrews: "Our rescue dog Wellesley, who was only six weeks old when we got him, is just a four legged bundle of fun and love. Our other four dogs have been the same since we were married 40 years ago."

"I could not contemplate life without a dog."

@Gwen Battersby: "Our little Cavachon has helped me more than I can say as a 90 year with poor mobility.

"She starts my day with a wonderful leap onto my bed and ends my day with kisses having climbed the stairs with me to make sure I am okay, amazing!" 

@Timothy Batterby: "I have spent hours walking and hiking with a big tough brute of a Vizsla. I don't suffer from depression but dogs are the most wonderful companions.

"I don't generally approve of dogs sleeping in bedrooms but with this dog, there was no stopping him. On more than one occasion I have woken in the night to find he had left his bed and was standing with his head on the pillow looking at me making sure that everything was all right."

@Chris Kenney: "Get a dog, you are never lonely when you have dog. It doesn't matter what pub you go into in the UK, if you have a dog people will soon talk to you.You can roam miles in the country with the sole purpose of walking the dog.

"Above all when you do go out on your own you will never come back to an empty house and then receive a warm welcome by man's best friend."

Ditch your mobile phone 

@dee Whtro: "Turn that mobile off - that will make all the difference."