Cumbrian chef and health advocate gives advice on Blue Monday

However, Harrison Ward - aka Fell Foodie - a mental health advocate and fellwalker, well known for cooking delicious meals high in the Cumbrian hills, says wherever the concept of Blue Monday came from he can definitely see why this is a difficult time of year for some.

“It’s that time of the year when you’re back at work after the Christmas holidays, all the fun is behind you, but you’re still dealing with the long, cold nights,” he says.

“For a lot of people it can feel very lonely as well, because they’ve had all this time with friends and family which has suddenly come to an end.”

Harrison himself has dealt with depression since his teens, turning to drink and smoking to try suppress his feelings.

However, in 2016 he began to turn things around by taking up fell walking, moving back to his home county of Cumbria and indulging his love of cooking in the open air high in the fells. He now works full-time as a motivational speaker and brand advocate.

He said: “I can definitely empathise with anyone who might be feeling low at this time of year.

HAPPY: Harrison Ward. Picture: Kenny Block

“One thing I personally find difficult is letting go of those little indulgences you allow yourself over Christmas. Lots of us set ourselves health goals for the new year, but it can be hard to break the habits from the Christmas holidays, which makes you feel as though you’re failing almost straight away.

“That’s why I think it’s really important for people to remember to give themselves a break. You can’t put unrealistic expectations on yourself about suddenly going to the gym every day or heading out for a run - especially when the weather doesn’t make that very easy this time of year. So, whatever goals you’ve set yourself for the year, give yourself time; just because you haven’t achieved them immediately, it doesn’t mean you’ve failed.