Today is Blue Monday - said to be the most depressing day of the year.

A mix of winter weather, post-Christmas bills and broken New Year's resolutions can make things feel a little more difficult, so that by the time Blue Monday comes around today, Monday, (January 15) no wonder it is said to be the most depressing day of 2024.

While we all know Blue Monday actually started life as a PR stunt for the advertising industry, there is of course truth in the fact that maybe we are all feeling a little blue in the depths of midwinter.

However, fear not, as Hitchin Nub News is here to cheer you up.

We've put together a list of reasons why living in Hitchin can blow away the Blue Monday Blues.

So, read on for how to be happy in Hitchin on Blue Monday.

1) Hitchin is Bitchin'

As plenty of Hitchinites say: Hitchin is Bitchin'. Meaning it's great. We certainly agree. We absolutely love Hitchin. It's a wonderful place to live.

So, why not take a walk into our town's wonderful Market Place, grab a coffee in the glorious winter sun and enjoy - well, until the snow turns up and take in the lovely ambience of our town.

Or, why not take advantage of all the January discounts available at our town's wonderful independent stores and shop local to give you and our town's businesses a boost.

We've even shared the best Places to eat in our town with Five Star ratings - so what are you waiting for?!

2) Look up and out not down and in - volunteer!

Hitchin is renowned for its community spirit. Why not cultivate a passion or volunteer to help people? There are a raft of wonderful charities and community groups that operate out of Hitchin.

Take up something new somewhere different, meet new people and feel the pleasure that comes from helping others which can also help you cope the less than pleasurable experience of dealing with the pandemic.

3) Excentuate the positive and boost your happiness

Draw up a list of things you enjoy doing in Hitchin - and make sure you do them.

Don't do things that make you unhappy. Revel in the here and now. Wear bright clothes. Live in the here and now.

Get out of your rut and boost your serotonum levels. If you make the effort you'll be rewarded. Why not take a walk around one of the many beauty spots in and around our town - or even better do it as part of a communal activity.

Whether that means attending one of the many gyms in Hitchin to boost your fitness levels or simply visiting one of the many brilliant exhibitions at our town's brilliant North Herts Museum - the fact is get out and get moving - you'll feel so much better for it.

Did you know Hitchin Nub News also runs a What's On in Hitchin page?

Every week we publish our favourite three events in town that weekend. Why not get into the habit of taking a look and incorporating it into your diary. What's the worst that could happen...

Not to mention blowing away those Blues Monday Blues.

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