BRITONS will be hoping to beat the "Blue Monday" slump - as the third Monday of January is thought to be the most depressing day of the year.

What is Blue Monday?

For those who do not think Blue Monday is just a marketing gimmick, it is a time when people need a pick-me-up as the festive season is well and truly over, bills have arrived and there is still a couple of weeks until payday.

Other factors may be that the weather is not great and new year resolutions could already be a thing of the past.

What can I do this week to cheer myself up?

If you are feeling a bit down today then it would be worth planning one of these events into your diary this week to get out into the fresh air, take part in something new and help cheer yourself up.

  • Tomorrow and on Thursday there will be guided walks at Witton Park in Blackburn, meet at the site's car park at 10am.
  • There will be an astrology event - Unlock the Secrets of Astrology, at the Bureau Centre for the Arts in Penny Street, Blackburn, at 7.30pm.
  • If you want to get your dancing shoes on The Swing Commanders are performing at the Blackburn Empire Theatre at 7.30pm on Friday.
  • For sports fans, Blackburn Rovers FC will face Queens Park Rangers at Ewood from 3pm on Saturday, with Blackburn Hawks taking on Billingham Start at the Blackburn Ice Arena in Lower Audley Street at 5.30pm.
  • Celine Dion’s Vegas Years are also performing on Saturday night at the Blackburn Empire Theatre from 7:30pm.

If you are feeling blue, there is always someone to talk to.

The Samaritans have a free line to call 24 hours a day, 365 days a a year. You can reach them on 116 123.