It's '˜Blue Monday' - but don't be down... here's five ways of giving yourself a boost

Now researchers have claimed to have proof which indicates the time of year and the weather could really be affecting people’s mood.

January 18 has been dubbed Blue Monday, following reports that it is the date on which the population is at its most melancholy.

It has previously been suggested it is the time of year when the weather is worst, debt levels highest and the post-Christmas malaise still omnipresent.

New research by the Co-op found that January is when British people are at their loneliest, with 26 per cent claiming it is the month they feel the most isolated.

On top of this, 87 per cent of the population also feel the weather has a direct influence on their mood, according to a poll from LeoVegas.com.

But it might not just be the gloomy skies bringing the country down, as the data also suggests two-thirds (61 per cent) of people feel depressed on their way to work.

Manchester and Leeds topped its list of the places which suffer worst from the January blues.

However, beat the January blues with our reasons to be cheerful.

Here’s what you can do to give yourself a lift - let’s look on the bright side

* Go for a bracing walk at the top of Portsdown Hill, and look at Portsmouth in all its glory.

Exercise stimulates endorphins, which helps improve sleep quality and reduce the feelings of stress.

* Buy a ticket for Pompey-Ipswich in the FA Cup at Fratton Park tomorrow night.

Maybe this is the year that the heroics of 2008 and 2010 can be repeated.... but after the last few seasons we’d take just getting through the third round.

* Sign up to parkrun and promise yourself you’ll join in one of the free 5k runs at either Staunton Country Park, Stokes Bay, SOuthsea seafront or Queen Elizabeth Country Park.

Don’t be put off - you don’t need to be a top athlete and you’re allowed to walk..

* Visit the free children’s TV exhibition at the City Museum.

* And there’s always this...