London Council Advice for Blue Monday

A London council is encouraging residents to beat the most depressing day of the year, otherwise known as ‘Blue Monday,’ by taking advantage of the free leisure services available to them, and in doing something to help others.

According to psychologists, a combination of the dreary grey weather, financial strains and broken New Year’s resolutions have conspired to make Monday, 16th January 2012 the most depressing day of the year.

The list, which includes avoiding costly gym memberships by using a free outdoor gym and taking advantage of the long winter evenings to stay in with a good book or DVD from your local library, also calls for those with failed New Year promises to start 2012 over again with a new resolution which is easy to keep - recycle more.

Residents are also encouraged to get more involved in their local communities and volunteer; and look forward to an action-packed sporting summer of a lifetime with the 2012 Games, right here in the capital.

Westminster Council’s top-five ways to beat ‘Blue Monday’:
1. Avoid high gym subscriptions and get yourself in shape for free at Paddington Recreational Ground’s free outdoor gym

2. Take advantage of the long January nights to stay in with a good book or dvd from your local library

3. Start the New Year over again and make recycling more your New Year’s resolution for 2012.

4. Get more involved in your local community and volunteer.

5. Forget the dreary weather and start looking forward to an unforgettable summer of sport.

Cllr Ed Argar, Westminster Council’s Cabinet Member for City Management, said:

“This list gives residents some fun ways in which they can beat the January blues and I hope that it encourages our residents to take more advantage of the services available to them.
“The weather may be grey this month but we have an unforgettable summer less than 200 days ahead of us, when the greatest sporting event in the world comes to the capital.”