A clinical psychologist has offered tips and advice on how to beat the winter blues.

Dr Nicole Main who works at Barnet, Enfield and Haringey Mental NHS Trust says people should do things they enjoy, talk to family and friends and focus on their future.

The third Monday of January has become known as ‘Blue Monday’, and this year fell on the 15th.

Blue Monday is seen by some people as the gloomiest day of the year.

A combination of factors including weather, debt, time since Christmas, and lack of motivation are said to collide making people feel low.

Dr Main, said: “It’s very common for people to feel depressed or sad in January.

“The buzz of Christmas has worn off, it’s cold and pay day is still a week or two away.

“You can beat the January blues by taking time out to do the things that you enjoy.

“If you like reading, baking or painting, then try to set aside the times for these activities, because if we don’t spend time doing things we enjoy, we can become irritable and unhappy.

“Also spend more time with those close to you, and talk to them about how you are feeling.

“Talking can be helpful and a good way to cope with a problem you’ve been carrying around in your head for a while.

“And if you can open up, you might also encourage someone else to do the same.

“If you feel like you need more support and live in Barnet or Enfield, we provide Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) services which help people manage and overcome anxiety and depression through psychological therapies.

“We can help with a range of common mental health problems including low mood and all anxiety disorders.

“Instead of being depressed on blue Monday use this day as a springboard for change and focus on your future.

“Set yourself some goals whether it is to lose weight, stop smoking or change job.

“Make the most of your life and live it to the fullest.”

To self-refer to the Barnet or Enfield IAPT service go to www.lets-talk-iapt.nhs.uk.