Got the office blues?

Tue 22 Jan 2008

Today is Blue Monday and statistically the gloomiest day of the year, according to one university psychologist.

Dr Cliff Arnall from Cardiff University made the calculation. He used a formula, which considered several factors including time since Christmas, debt, weather and time until the next pay day.

"Following the initial thrill of new year's celebrations and changing over a new leaf, reality starts to sink in," he said.

He offered some advice how to keep happy throughout the year: "Keeping physically and mentally active can often improve your state of mind and helping others can sometimes boost self esteem."

Modern buildings and workplaces often utilise natural light. This has reduced electricity costs and contributed to spectacular designs such as the London 'Gherkin'.

Workers can take some comfort that the shortest day of the year was December 22nd - soon mornings will be lighter and commutes to the office brighter and, hopefully, happier too.