Christmas is over, New Year is over, it's dark, it's cold, it's wet - and today (Jan 19) has been dubbed 'Blue Monday' - the most depressing day of the year.

But, never fear, News Shopper is here to share some hints and tips on how to make it through with a smile on your face.

1. Start your morning by doing something kind.

Make a colleague a cuppa, offer someone your seat on the train or just give your neighbour a cheery wave.

Scientists reckon that doing one good thing for somebody else every day will boost your own happiness - forget Blue Monday, embrace that warm, fuzzy, 'good-deed' feeling.

News Shopper: Tea party in aid of Ovarian Cancer Action and St Margaret's Hospice

2. Get out and about.

Forget about the cold, wrap up warm and get some fresh air.

Whether you run, cycle or walk - 30 minutes of exercise each day is enough to put a smile on the bluest of faces.

News Shopper: Bury Knowle Joggers

3. Tell a joke.

Laughter is contagious - tell a joke to a friend and you'll be laughing along too.

And, in the spirit of Blue Monday, News Shopper will give you one for free: 'It's such a shame about the parallel lines..

'They've got so much in common but they'll never meet.'

News Shopper: dogs

... At least he found it funny.

4. Give yourself something to look forward to.

We suggest burns night - a celebration of the famous Scottish bard, Robert Bairns, on January 25.

Whether your Scottish or not you can still don your kilt, enjoy some haggis, neeps and tatties, a quick dram of whiskey and a highland fling.

News Shopper: BURNS NIGHT DINNER & DANCE

Famous poet, Robert Burns

5. And if all else fails, experts suggest looking at a picture of a loved one, a favourite memory or your favourite animal.

News Shopper:

Keep smiling...