More than 70 people attended a workshop designed to help them cope with one of the grimmest days of the year, Blue Monday.

They listened to psychologist Dr Amy Harrison, a lecturer at Birkbeck, University of London, offer tips on how people can improve their wellbeing and happiness at a workshop held at the Idea Store Whitechapel.

‘Blue Monday’, the third Monday in January which this year fell on January 20, has been reported to be one of the grimmest days of the year. Although there may be no hard science behind this assertion, it’s easy to understand why it’s developed this reputation. The merriment of Christmas has long since faded but the mountains of credit card debt remain as we struggle through to payday.

Dr Harrison said: “It’s important to remember that it’s not what happens to you, but what you make of it that is important. Research from the field of positive psychology, which aims to understand the science of happiness and wellbeing, suggests that there are things we can all do to manage the daily grind with greater ease.”

In her workshop she shared research on factors that affect happiness and give participants simple exercises which they can do in order to improve their own happiness and wellbeing.

Roy-Oluwasegun Williams, from Shadwell, attended the workshop. He said: “Yet another inspiring and informative talk at the Idea Store for us locals. Thanks!”