Great Mancunian ways to beat the ‘Blue Monday’ blues

‘Blue Monday,’ the third Monday in January, is officially the most depressing day of the year.

Feelings of negativity in the aftermath of Christmas, the stress of returning to work and the awful weather all conspire to making us mardy.

Don’t just sit there, do something about it!

Hit the Gym 

Keeping active gets those feel-good chemicals flowing!  Even just mild exertion is all that is needed for the body to release extra dopamine – a chemical in the brain responsible for feelings of happiness. You don’t have to be as fast as Fred Perry or able to bend it like Beckham; all you need to do is get active!  There are some great opportunities in Manchester with convenient city centre venues such as Nuffield Health Gym in the Printworks and the Y Club on Liverpool Road.

Keeping active keeps you connected too, and by looking around you may well be amazed at the variety of classes and sessions available. Whether it’s zumba, boxercise, archery or even bog snorkelling,  there’s something for everyone and every level of fitness.

Feast on Fresh Air

It’s fun, it’s fresh and it’s free. What more could you ask for? Greater Manchester has some wonderful walks. Getting out in the open air is one of life’s understated pleasures and can provide a crucial change of scenery too, even if it’s just going to the park. After all, Greater Manchester has 138 parks, 31 with a green flag status, so it’s a city really going the extra mile to give you a place to escape. The ‘Green Corridor’ makes this even easer – a walking route devised to link up these open spaces, made up of 14 exciting routes. This means plenty of fresh air without having to pay a penny. Definitely something to smile about.

Volunteer Your Time

One of the most effective ways to lift your spirits is by helping others. Volunteering not only benefits your community but also provides a profound sense of purpose and connection. Manchester offers countless opportunities to get involved, whether it’s through food banks, homeless shelters, animal rescue centres, or environmental clean-up projects. Manchester has so many fantastic charity’s doing amazing work across the city, so why not get involved? You can find out some great volunteering opportunities by clicking here

Light Up Your life

Sunlight is a saviour when it comes to making us feel better as exposure to the sun is required for vitamin D production as well as keeping important chemical balances.  Yet in these winter months it seems that we sometimes see no sun at all – and this can impact significantly on mood.  During the darker months our bodies produce more of the hormone melatonin than normal – with studies suggesting that overproduction of this can lead to fatigue and depression. So it’s no wonder January is a month often associated with negative mood. Sunlight can scale down these melatonin levels– but as much as we love Manchester, we can’t guarantee the sun will be out when you need it. The answer is easier than you think though – just capture it for yourself! That’s right, rolling in to rescue the grim old North is potted sunlight in the form of sunlight lamps – an effective method of providing you with the equivalent of sunlight in the comfort of your own home.

Get Creative

Being artistic and expressive can boost our mood considerably. You may be aware of art as a form of therapy and whether you like painting, play an instrument, or prefer writing, being creative highlights the great things you are capable of. Luckily for us, Manchester has loads of amazing creative places for you to explore. If you’re looking to push the boat out a bit, why not try rug tufting? Manchester Rug Tufting offer a unique and accessible way to dive into the world of rug-making. In a 3.5-hour session, you’ll create a 40x40cm rug and learn the basics of this fascinating technique.  Prices start at £135 for one person, with discounts for groups—perfect for a fun outing with friends or family. All equipment and materials are included, making it easy to immerse yourself in the craft. You can find our more here

For those who enjoy getting their hands dirty, pottery classes at 7 Limes in Manchester offer a chance to work with clay and create everything from functional tableware to artistic sculptures. With over 25 years of experience, 7 Limes provides expert instruction in pottery wheel throwing, suitable for all skill levels. Whether you’re taking a taster session, attending a beginner or intermediate course, or enrolling in an intensive two-day workshop, you’ll leave with a new appreciation for this ancient art form. You can find out more on their website here

If drawing is more your style, Life Drawing Ancoats offers welcoming and inclusive peer-led sessions at AWOL Studios in Hope Mill. These Monday evening gatherings provide a focused environment for figure and portrait drawing, catering to artists of all abilities, from beginners to seasoned sketchers. For those looking to build their skills further, the studio also offers tutored sessions and foundations courses with expert guidance. You can sign up here Creative activities like these don’t just fill your day—they fill your spirit. Why not pick one and let your imagination take flight?

Food For a Good Mood

One of the simplest ways to lift your spirits on Blue Monday is by indulging in delicious food. Beyond providing essential energy, food can be an experience of joy and creativity, offering a palette of vibrant colors, rich flavors, and exciting textures to brighten your day. Why not take advantage of these fantastic dining offers to treat yourself or someone special?

At Fenix Restaurant, you can enjoy 30% off food throughout January as a nod to the tradition of generosity inspired by St. Basil, the Greek Father Christmas. This offer is available from the 2nd to the 31st of January 2025, every Sunday to Thursday from midday until late, and on Fridays until 5 pm. Some exclusions apply, such as lobster, wagyu, the lunch menu, and the Sunday Agora, so be sure to book ahead to make the most of this delightful discount.

For an indulgent experience, James Martin Manchester is offering a stunning five-course tasting menu crafted with the finest seasonal and local ingredients. This meal includes perfectly paired wines for only £59 per person, creating a luxurious dining experience that’s available Wednesday through Saturday. Full terms and details can be found on their website.

Riva Blu is another excellent option for chasing away the blues. Club IR members can enjoy 25% off their à la carte menu every Monday to Thursday throughout January. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a romantic evening out, or a special family dinner, Riva Blu offers something for everyone.

At Podium Restaurant, you can savour a five-course tasting menu with half a bottle of wine for £50 per person, down from the usual £60 excluding wine. Alternatively, you can enjoy 20% off your total bill when you order three courses from their à la carte menu.

With these fantastic offers, Blue Monday doesn’t stand a chance—good food really is the best remedy! You can check out some brilliant January offers by clicking here

You’re Having a Laugh

Mancunians are known for their sense of humour..  In a city which was birthplace to such comedy legends as Les Dawson, Steve Coogan and Victoria Wood, it’s no wonder that having a laugh here often serves as a great antidote to tougher times. Why not see for yourself and take a trip to one or two of the city’s theatres of funny  such as The Frog and Bucket or The Comedy Store?  Morrissey may have sung ‘that joke isn’t funny anymore’, but Mancunian humour seems to keep its charm.

You can find out what’s going on at the Frog and Bucket by clicking here

Make the Most of Mindfulness

Sometimes we can’t change situations in our lives which lead to stress or feeling blue, but what we CAN change is how we deal with it. This is where mindfulness comes in – a strategy which encourages us to live in the here-and-now.  Perhaps you feel blue at the thought of future uncertainties, or worry about what has already happened? Fortunately, you can climb out of the questioning in the form of mindfulness techniques which you can access online or in a variety of Manchester venues. Breathworks is a brilliant example of a service offering mindfulness for dealing with stress and Manchester Buddhist Centre hosts mindfulness classes open to all.

You can find out what’s going on at Manchester Buddhist Centre by clicking here

Treat Yourself to a Spa Day

If the January blues have you feeling drained, why not recharge with some pampering? Manchester is home to a variety of luxurious spas offering everything from massages to facials to full-body treatments. Take a break from the cold and unwind in a warm, tranquil setting designed to melt away stress. Venues like The Lowry Hotel RE:TREAT Spa provide the perfect escape, ensuring you leave feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the rest of the month with a renewed sense of positivity. You can find out more about the RE:TREAT Spa here