Blue Monday, the third Monday of January, is said to be the most depressing day of the year.

Many may be feeling quite miserable today, thanks to the cold weather, the lull after the festive period, getting back to the 9-5, and the guilt of letting their New Year's resolutions fall by the wayside.

Whatever your worries are, there are some simple things you can do to make the first day of the week a little more pleasant:

1. Start the day with a breakfast you enjoy

Getting out of bed on a Monday morning probably isn't the most joyful thing in the world. Treating yourself to a decent breakfast and a cup of coffee could help you start the day on a good note.

It will also make sure you don't get "hangry" (bad-tempered or irritable as a result of hunger) later in the day.

Watford Observer:

Treat yourself to a decent breakfast this morning. Photo: Pixabay

2. Restart your New Year's resolutions

Whether you're doing Dry January, Veganuary or trying to get fitter and healthier this year, the chances are that you've already broken your resolution.

Don't be too disheartened, it is never a bad time to start afresh and use those feelings of guilt to motivate yourself to stick to your goals.

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Stick to your New Year's resolutions. Photo: Pixabay

3. Get active

Exercise can help you combat fatigue and weight gain. But many of us are sitting at our desk for eight hours a day, says contact lenses supplier Feel Good Contacts.

It advised readers to start their day by walking or cycling to work. Adding weight to your backpack to make your walk more challenging. If you’re driving, park further away and walk the rest of the way to work.

Try and break up multiple chunks of sitting time with some movement. Set an alarm if you feel you need it. The general rule is to take a walk at least every half an hour.

Another thing you can consider is using your lunch break for a workout.

Watford Observer:

Exercise can help combat fatigue. Photo: Pixabay

4. Eat well

Exercising and eating well go hand in hand. Bring in a healthy packed lunch to control your consumption and save money.

In terms of drinking, water is one of the easiest ways to manage body weight and reduce your food consumption. If you need to drink something warm, try non sugary herbal drinks, black coffee or broth, Feel Good Contacts advises.

Watford Observer:

Pack yourself a healthy lunch. Photo: Pixabay

5. Take control of your finances

If money problems are keeping you up at night, you might feel less stressed if you start taking control of your expenses.

Carefully plan your expenses for the next month. List out all your monthly payments (rent, bills, subscriptions, memberships, groceries, fuel) and create a budget for social events.

Watford Observer:

Plan your expenses for the next month. Photo: Pixabay

6. Sleep well

Studies show people who are sleep deprived experience more negative moods. It can also impact our health and put us at risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, loss of libido, depression and anxiety.

Ginette White, a clinical reflexologist, mental health first aider, and founder of Waltham Forest Reflexology, shared some advice to help us sleep better:

  • Cut out or reduce your caffeine consumption after noon. Caffeine interferes with the production of our sleep-inducing hormones.
  • Meditate before you go to bed to improve sleep quality and ease anxiety and depression.
  • Switch off from your screens at night. If you can't sleep, pick up a book and read.
  • Try reflexology therapies which applies pressure to different reflex points. It can help you feel more relaxed and improve your sleep and mood.
  • Create a sleep schedule and stick to it as much as possible. Plan for eight and a half hours, which gives you time to settle in for a good eight hour night. Getting up with your alarm is just as important. Snoozing makes you more tired and afternoon naps do not help.

Watford Observer:

It's important to get enough sleep. Photo: Pixabay

7. Start looking for new jobs

A recent study by Open Study College of 2,000 working adults found that almost half of Brits feel stuck in a ‘boring or unrewarding’ job.

Signs that someone might be stuck in an unrewarding job include clockwatching as early as midday, feeling bored throughout the working day, not caring if they are late to work and struggling to get out of bed in the morning.

If your job is causing you to feel blue, it may be time to start hunting for a new job.

Watford Observer:

Look for a new job if you're unhappy with your current one. Photo: Pixabay

8. Treat yourself at the end of the day

End your day well by treating yourself to something - it could be a relaxing bath, a takeaway, or a film after work. But remember to go to bed on time.