Blue Monday: 5 feel-good things to do in Derby that will make you smile today

Blue Monday is widely thought to be the ‘most depressing day of the year’. 

Regardless of its authenticity - is it real or just a marketing ploy? - it is easy to feel a little down at this time of year.

Christmas in all its twinkling glory has passed, the season for festive parties is well and truly behind us, the weather is bitterly cold and payday seems an age away. 

But despite all that, we think there is always a reason to smile. Here are 5 lovely things to do in Derby today that will make you feel less blue and more woo.

1. Read a book and sip coffee at Waterstones

Books and coffee go hand in hand, which is why sipping a steaming hot latte as you leisurely browse books tops our list.

Visit Waterstones in Derby city centre and dive into books galore, but first, grab a coffee from nearby café Coffee #1.

The fast-darkening nights are perfect to pick up a ghost story and Platform Seven by Louise Doughty is a ghost story with a twist - there's also a telly adaption screening right now too.

Where: Coffee #1, Victoria Street, Derby DE1 1ES | Waterstones Derby, 78-80 St Peters Street, Derby DE1 1SR

2. Enjoy a pint in cosy pub Silk Mill with a roaring fire

Cradling a pint of real ale in a cosy pub will ramp up the feel-good factor by a boatload. 

There are cosy pubs galore in the city centre and we love the pull of a roaring fire.

Silk Mill is one of the city’s popular pubs, whose wooden beams, sepia lighting and comfy chairs make it a highly attractive place to chill out in.

Where: Silk Mill Pub, 19 Full Street, Derby DE1 3AF

3. Have a fiery Indian curry takeaway from Shalimar Gold in warm PJs

Sometimes being indoors, wearing cosy loungewear as you await takeaway is the only thing that will do. 

And there are plenty of takeaways to pick from in Derby. 

Shalimar Gold is one of the city’s best restaurants offering takeaway, according to Tripadvisor, where 2,208 diners have voted the curry house in the top ten list. 

There are plenty of warm PJs sets and Asda’s budget-friendly fleecy set costs £12. 

Where: Shalimar Gold, 15 Midland Road, Derby DE1 2SN | Asda, Sinfin Shopping Centre, Arleston Lane, Sinfin, Derby DE24 3DS

4. Go for a walk in the winter sunshine at Calke Abbey

It may be freezing out there, however the winter sunshine which sometimes feels as if you are standing under a bright megawatt bulb can be good for the soul.

Stick some warm boots and a hat on, and venture out to Calke Abbey, described as a place where ‘time has stood still.’

Explore the grounds of the country house estate set among 600 acres of countryside and gardens in Ticknall, Derbyshire.

On your travels, take in the pretty Pleasure Grounds that lead to the flower garden and the unique auricula theatre.

Where: Calke Abbey, Ticknall, Derby DE73 7JF

5. Yoga or meditation at Breathing Space Yoga Studio

You don’t have to be a stretchy, bendy person to reap the benefits of yoga. 

Getting the body moving, especially if you’re not particularly into gyms and exercise can feel daunting, however, start off small and simple with expert guidance, and your soul will feel lighter.

Breathing Space Yoga Studio hosts drop-in yoga and meditation classes for people of all ages and all levels.

You can even join in online if you can’t get down to the studio, however it is worth getting an in-person lesson if you can, especially if you’re new to yoga.

Kerrie Oxford’s Wednesday Yoga For Beginners classes are always well attended where you can practise balance, breathing and still the mind.

Where: Breathing Space Yoga Studio, The Coach House, 14 George Street, Derby DE1 1EH

What is Blue Monday?

Traditionally falling on the third Monday in January, Blue Monday was created by a psychologist in 2004. 

Dr Cliff Arnall came up with the formula for the most depressing day of the year, to assist a travel company in selling vacation packages. 

According to Sky News, the formula model is:

[W + (D-d)] x TQ

M x NA

(W) weather, (D) debt, (d) monthly salary, (T) time since Christmas, (Q) time since failed quit attempt, (M) low motivational levels and (NA) the need to take action.

Dean Burnett, a neuroscientist who spoke to the Guardian about Blue Monday said this equation was ‘uber-pseudoscientific’ and ‘farcical.’

It may not be true, but we are glad Blue Monday is an excuse to do something positive to put a smile on your face.