Blue Monday: 10 cheery stories to distract from the gloomiest of days

It’s that time of year again. The so-called most depressing day of the year has arrived and with it comes your annual reminder that nobody likes Mondays – especially this one. But while it may be tempting to be consumed by Blue Monday’s gloomy reputation, we’ve prepared 10 articles that might take your mind off that new diet, grey weather, dark evenings and a frustratingly long wait until your next payday.

Although Blue Monday may have been dreamed up by some PR guru or travel company – and many dismiss as nonsensical pseudoscience – it’s a great excuse to share some funny, lighthearted and interesting articles.

If these don’t work, take yourself back to 1987 with New Order’s hit song Blue Monday. The January Blues can’t get to you through all that new wave synth.

I want a list of books that are guaranteed to distract and entertain me, that will put a smile back on my face, that might even make me laugh out loud. Photograph: Getty Images

Laugh in the time of Corona: Favourite funny books
No, I don't want to read about the bloody plague, thanks. I want to smile, laugh even. if you feel the same way, These might help

Patrick Freyne: I leapfrogged several violent young thugs as I rose through the tough-boy ranks at my local national school

Patrick Freyne: My highest ever accolade was being designated fourth toughest boy in fifth class
Schooldays I'll Never Forget: How did I do it? I channelled The A-Team's 'Howling Mad' Murdock

The luxury over water villas, reached by a wooden walkway, at the Kuramathi resort in the Maldives.

The return of luxury, once-in-a-lifetime holidays
Destinations such as the Maldives set to be popular as 2022 promises a return to long-haul travel