Listen: happiness expert giving tips on banishing those Blue Monday blues

As Blue Monday approaches, a happiness expert is cutting through the gloom with practical, science-backed tips designed to boost mood when winter feels at its hardest and lift people up during the toughest time of the year.

January is widely felt as the hardest month of the year, with almost half (46%) of people in the UK describing it as depressing, and many feeling less motivated (68%), low in mood (58%) and sluggish (55%).

According to the happiness expert Stephanie Davies, beating the January blues is not about willpower or drastic change, but about small, intentional actions that support mental wellbeing.

Research from Jet2 shows that half (50%) of Brits plan to prioritise experiences over material items in 2026, with a third (33%) saying holidays simply bring them happiness and joy.

Aston spoke to happiness expert Stephanie Davies.