U.K.: January 19 tabbed as "Worst Day of the Year"

. LEEDS, England / United Press International / January 19, 2009 Monday was designated "Blue Monday" in Britain by a psychiatrist who said it represented the most miserable day of 2009 for British workers. Martin Hird, who lectures at Leeds Metropolitan University on mental health and psychological therapies, said this Monday deserved to be ranked the worst day of the entire year due to the rampant cold and flu outbreak during the country's economic crisis, The Daily Telegraph reported. The selected day of social misery was also selected as the point at which individuals begin to truly stress about Christmas bills while beginning to feel the impact of a long cold winter. "Factors which affect a person's well-being are things like social networks and access to money, both of which can be affected at this time of year," Hird said. Hird suggested to those impacted by such factors that they embrace a balanced diet or exercise more. The psychologist also said simply acknowledging "Blue Monday" can have a positive impact. "Knowing that Blue Monday is there and that it affects other people can be valuable," he told the Telegraph. "I think it's a useful way of raising awareness about a problem which can affect a lot of people. © 2009 United Press International, Inc