10 family activities that will lift your spirits on Blue Monday

With the saddest day of the year right around the corner, it’s important to stay optimistic and do things that make us feel positive. It is a well-known fact that embracing the great outdoors and having adventures reduces stress - even just breathing in fresh air can do wonders for the mind.

That is why this January 21, tipped as the most depressing day of the year, outdoor adventure and education provider Kingswood has created a list of adventurous activities to get your family outside. This top ten will help you reap the benefits of Vitamin D (yes, it's possible in January) and create that wonderful feeling of freedom that outdoor adventure can bring.

1. Make your own kite and fly it outside

You will not only get the thrill of flying your own kite but that rewarding feeling of having made it yourself! Plus, they’re relatively easy to make with downloadable kite making templates available online.

2. Enjoy stargazing

Wrap up warm and take a blanket into your garden or safe outdoor space, then lie down and stare into the sky. Stargazing can be really relaxing and gives you the opportunity to spot a range of constellations (Big Dipper anyone?)

3. Go on a bike ride and discover somewhere new

Skip the school bus this Blue Monday and take your bike instead! Have you ever hired a bike or taken your bike to a brand new location? Imagine all the interesting new sights you could see.

4. Swim in a natural environment

Something sure to wake you up on Monday morning would be swimming in the sea or a lake. You will feel so refreshed and energised. Give it a go.

5. Try a completely new activity

Learning a new activity can be really inspiring. How about having a go at paddle boarding, surfing, rock climbing or skiing, or all four. Doing something totally new for you could help you discover a hidden talent. Next stop, the Olympics!

6. Map reading and orienteering

Discover a whole new side of your local environment or somewhere new by simply drawing a route on an old map and following it. You could even turn it into a treasure hunt by leaving clues and prizes along the way!

7. Make a bird feeder

Encourage birds into your garden by creating a bird feeder out of an old toilet roll holder. Simply cover the roll in peanut butter, dip it in bird seeds and voila! This is also a wonderful way to recycle used goods.

8. Set up a tent and go camping

There’s nothing quite like sleeping in a tent overnight. Getting close to nature and sleeping under the stars is a refreshing change to normal life. Camping in the back garden counts right...?

9. Hike to the top of a steep hill

This may seem like a basic challenge, but have you ever hiked to the top of a steep hill and just looked out? There can be stunning views and it is a fantastic way to keep fit.

10. Give an extreme sport a go

Set yourself a challenge this year to try something extreme like going on a giant zipwire (there is one that goes through the trees at Kingswood Colomendy) or white water rafting - whatever you feel is an extreme challenge for you. It feels great to push yourself to feel the fear and do it anyway. Imagine how satisfied you would feel after conquering something outside of your comfort zone.