Feeling blue? Welcome to the gloomiest day of 2016

FEELINg a bit down? Fancy a duvet day? Well you’re not alone, because according to a ‘misery formula’ today is Blue Monday, the most depressing day of the year.

With Christmas bills rolling in, New Year’s resolutions already lapsed and winter weather at its gloomiest, January 18 has 2016’s lowest depression score.

According to a mathematical formula created by ‘happiness guru’ Dr Cliff Arnall, ‘misery factors’ include post-Christmas credit card bills, the wait until January’s pay-day and grim weather including floods and snow. Dr Arnall said other depression factors peaking today include fading Christmas memories, lapsed New Year’s resolutions and low motivation.

But the mental health expert said people can beat the blues by simply putting down their electronic gadgets and going for a walk.

Dr Arnall, 50, from Brecon, Wales – who runs happiness and confidence sessions for celebrities, the Department for Work and pensions, the NhS and businesses – said: ‘Negative factors are coinciding on Blue Monday. Some people were sucked into overthe-top Christmas spending after economic improvements and now have credit card bills to pay, while January sales are like a sick joke tempting us to spend even more.

‘people in Scotland will be affected for months or years by homes being flooded, while now snow and ice mean some worry about leaving their homes.

‘Weight-loss stress and failed New Year resolutions add to worries, while David Bowie and Alan Rickman dying under 70 has been a reminder of our mortality.

‘Blue Monday should be about beating the most depressing day, so write down the three best things in your life, spend more time doing them, and your mood will be boosted.

‘Don’t be obsessed with new gadgets. Remember the best things in life are free – the people around us, having fun and enjoying nature with a walk in the park.’

Meanwhile, a study has found that the average worker in Britain will spend 88 minutes each week in January researching their next break – with many saying they already need a holiday to escape the British winter.

The research, by travel website KAYAK. co.uk, found that 52 per cent of Britons will feel in need a holiday before the end of the month as winter blues take their toll.