Blue Monday

Apparently the third Monday of January is the most depressing day of the year: 'Blue Monday'. I was listening to Radio 1 this morning, driving to work (I'm teaching international students for a month again), when I was introduced to this phrase.

There are 2 logical reasons I can think of for people being sad at this time: the weather and the darkness. However, the last couple of days have been lovely, which is why I decided to go for my first run of the year yesterday. There's no point moaning about the weather if you never go outside anyway! Moaning Myrtles. Secondly, it is definitely getting lighter outside, as I can ride on the roads until around 4.30 now.

Well, whatever your reasons for being SAD, here are my cheer-up strategies:

See Ernest. Even though he is extremely grumpy in his bedroom (stable), seeing him restores a sense of balance to my little world, and being able to escape in a peaceful wood is pure escapism.

Hug my greyhounds. I love wrapping my arms around my beautiful, bootylicious greyhounds and playing with their unbelievably soft ears. Whether it's a delicate but thorough sniff from Claus or an extremely waggy tail from Princess, they know how to make me smile.

Look at pictures of greyhounds. I can literally sit on instagram looking at #greyhounds for hours. I love seeing so many of these wonderful dogs happily rehomed, and they are extremely photogenic!

Hang out with Maxx. A hug from my second favourite man (first being Ernest, of course) makes everything seem brighter.

Watch Jenna Marbles' old videos. If you don't know who she is, crawl out from under that rock! She's super funny, especially her older videos. She also has cute dogs.

Snapchat my friend Becky. We have an amazing collection of ugly facial expressions which take time and dedication to perfect.

Watch The Big Bang Theory. This is my favourite show in the whole wide world. I've even got Maxx, my mum and my dad addicted. Thanks to Brother Gareth for introducing it to me.

Listen to any song by Jason Derulo. I really like his music (it's catchy OK?!) and in every interview I've heard, he sounds like such a grounded man. You go Jassssson Deruloooo.

xxx