Welcome to ‘Blue Monday’, the date deemed most depressing out of the full year. The term is said to have been created by psychologist Cliff Arnall in 2004, in response to a holiday company asking for a scientific answer to the January Blues. Claiming to fall on the third Monday in January every year, it is strange how I am only just hearing about it. Could it be that this year the cold and wet weather has set in, Christmas seems so long ago, and we are in the middle of a global pandemic so there appears less to look forward to. #Pessimistic.

Yet, many people have rightly questioned the idea that there can be a most depressing day of the year. I mean what a load of rubbish, that people’s mental health and mood will be worse on one specific day of the year. Well, I for one am determined not to become part of this statistic and so have planned another week of activities to keep active and positive.

I am over halfway through my accumulator jogging challenge! Progress wise – I am glad to report I am off to a flying start, with 35miles achieved last week, 70 miles is well within our reach.

This week I even try an online Pilates class. Oof! It is hard work. But my muscles definitely get a good work out, and lots of people leave their cameras on making me feel closer to humankind during this lockdown.

Soon its Friday eve, a term a friend uses on Thursday morning that brings a smile to my face, raising my spirits and leading me smoothly into a chilled weekend. We almost finish the Christmas puzzle – but plenty more time to chip away at it. With the winter weather, festive puzzle, and plenty of indulgent food from Christmas still around, the warm fuzzy sensation of Friday eve echoes Christmas on so many levels.