Today is "Blue Monday" - the day calculated in 2005 to be the most depressing of the year. Cold weather, short daylight hours, post-Christmas debt and the prospect of a long wait until summer all increase the January blues, and whatever you think of the science behind the "Blue Monday" formula, there's no doubt that we could all use a dash of extra cheer this month. Here are our ideas for beating the blues locally - add yours below!

Eat, drink and be merry

It's no coincidence that the concepts of "eat" and "merry" are proverbially found together - good food is a great way to boost morale and feel better. Finsbury Park favourite Chez Liline is popular for its delicious and healthy seafood dishes that bring a taste of Mauritian  sunshine to the table. If you're watching your wallet post-Christmas, try the excellent value lunch menus - £6.50 for one course, and £10.50 for two.

A short bus ride away, Pan-Asian restaurant Ziloufs on Upper Street is offering two courses for £16 until 27 January. Or jump on the Victoria Line and head two stops south to the St Pancras Grand on theupper copncourse of St Pancras International, which is offering two courses from the Sample menu and a glass of bubbly for £15 until 5 February.

Brighten that wardrobe

Freshen up your winter look with a bargain from the January sales. Most of the shops in Finsbury Park are offering deals on jumpers, cardigans and winter coats. Next in Green Lanes has a half-price or less sale on at the moment - find partywear from £10, jackets from £20 and smart but showerproof macs from £30!

DWS on Seven Sisters Road have regular designerwear sales - if you're looking for something special and can hold on a few weeks, the next womensear sale is on February 11-13, with menswear following on February 18-20. Worth the wait to make that pay packet go further!

Have you got any other local ways to brighten up the bleak month of January? Let us know below!

Image: SusanG2