'Everyday can be tough but Blue Monday is a good time to talk about mental health'

If you're being weighed down by January blues - you're not alone.

Today's is dubbed Blue Monday - and its supposed to be the most depressing day of the year because of the weather, financial pressure and the new year not going according to plan.

And while questioning if that's really true, Michelle Hodgkiss - from Therapy partners in Maidstone - recognises January can be a tougher time of year, compared to other months.

She said: "I think we have all just come out of a restful time and we are finding it difficult to get them momentum back into life, schools and our busy schedules so I do think there is this universal feeling that life at the moment does feel a bit bluer

"And, today can be a really good opportunity to reassess how things are going, ask the questions of why we maybe feel a bit more blue and just reach out to others so you can wonder about it together."

And, Michelle had a list of what you can prioritise this year to potentially improve your mental health.

Physical health

"Eat well, exercise, get out there, get fresh air, be in nature are all really important as a starting point because you may have overindulged over Christmas."

Be social

"Stay connected, reach out to the group around you, people who you feel comfortable with just make sure you are being with others and not isolating as much as you normally would do when you are feeling down."

Yourself

"Rest, do what makes you happy, just recognise when you do need to slow down a bit week by week."

A purpose

"Day to day, when you go out, make sure you have a focus for that day or week, it just help to re-centre you when you are doing work or pleasure, it's about having a purpose."

Emotions

"Understand why you feel the way you do, and have that compassion for yourself when you don't feel so good instead of being critical of yourself when trying to find that motivation"