Banish the blues with Merry Monday

See the smiles on those faces? They didn't get there by accident. They got there because a bunch of women who didn't know each other, got together for a good long walk in the countryside. 

And this Monday - 15 January - is officially called Blue Monday. It's the day when most people feel pretty glum. The weather is rubbish. The endless darkness is depressing. You feel fat, poor, a bit lost in your relationship or job and you can't even cheer yourself up with a glass of wine or box of chocolates because that would mean you are giving up on your healthy eating resolutions after just two weeks. 

Well Glamoraks has the perfect solution to banish the blues. It's called Merry Monday. But frankly, you can take any day next week. 

Here's what you do. Head over to the Facebook group and post the following (or a variation thereof):

On 15 January (or a date of your choice if you're busy), I am going to be walking <insert location> at <insert time>. Would anyone like to come? #MerryMonday.

If you see someone post that and you think: heck, that's near me. Yes please. Then respond. Arrange a meet up. Get walking. Get talking. Get fresh air. Forget about everything else that may not be perfect. Just enjoy the miles and the company. And you could be anywhere in the world. Just name your location and you never know, there may be a Glamorak near you. If there's not, invite a friend near you, get them to join Glamoraks and go together.  Be sure to share your pictures from your walk in the group afterwards.

Why is this a good thing?

• Because you will be getting exercise and making up miles. That ticks a resolution box (particularly if you're doing the walk1000miles challenge) and exercise boosts your endorphins
• Getting into nature has been scientifically proven to improve your sense of wellbeing and mental health for up to 8 hours after you've been outdoors. 
• You will get to talk to someone - someone you may not know. That means you could make a new friend, learn about someone else and share some of your thoughts with somebody who is completely not going to judge you. You could just have a bloody good laugh.
• By doing this, you are making a commitment to yourself to get outdoors (it's much harder to change your mind when you've arranged to meet someone else) AND you may just motivate someone else to feel happy too. 
• You will be so busy walking, talking, laughing and breathing in fresh air that you will entirely forget that it is meant to be the crappiest day of the year.

So are you in? Join us here.

If you aren't on Facebook, feel free to share it on Twitter and see if you can find someone that way. Use the hashtags #MerryMonday and #Glamoraks

If you know anyone who loves walking, please invite them to join the group. It is open to women around the world. Together we can make the world a happier place one step at a time.