Today is known as Blue Monday, a day that has been given the rather gloomy name thanks to a mixture of post-Christmas blues, the cold dark winter nights and unpaid bills arriving on your doorstep.

Depending on who you believe, it was academics - or a canny PR company at some time in the last decade - who identified the third Monday of January as the most depressing day of the year - with 2021's edition even harder for many, as the pandemic continues to impact our lives.

However, Nub News always likes to be positive - and there are many reasons to feel good - even on Blue Monday.

So here's a few reasons to be cheerful:

1) We all love the NHS

Why not take a moment to reflect on the brilliant work they do - including the heroes on the frontline fighting Covid such as Lister Hospital's outstanding Intensive Care Unit. Here's why

2) Hitchin Belles FC are fundraising for brave Hattie

Our town's women's football club are walking the equivalent of here to Baku to raise funds for brave Hattie Brattan. Read our story about Joe Wicks getting behind their efforts here

3) Keith Jones is Hitchin's master butcher

Modest Keith and his butcher's shop on Redhill Road is a true Hitchin icon. His staff and he always go the extra mile to help customers while serving up succulent, top quality meat. They've also been nominated for a prestigious award so why not get voting!

4) Hitchin's stunning sights

We know lockdown is tough, while you might have ditched those New Year's resolutions already - but on your daily walk why not take in St Mary's Church as part of your daily exercise routine.

Hitchin's stunning 12th century is a place of restorative calm so why not make the most of. They'll be draining the River His next week so you might as well make the most of the quiet this week...

5) It's getting lighter every day and it's 'only' 76 days until the next bank holiday

We've gone past the shortest day and every day will have more light for longer - which means with every coming day, we get a bit more of that precious sunshine.

Here's our brilliant columnist Sparky on reasons to be cheerful in January

We make it 'only' 76 days until the next bank holiday.

Did you know there's a longer gap between the spring and summer bank holidays at the end of May and August than between now and Easter in the first week of April?

PS We'd also love to see your own positive stories or photos.

Share anything happy in the comments below, and tell us what it means to you!