Today is widely referred to as Blue Monday – a day when seasonal affective disorder and general winter blahs seem to be at their highest.

It also might lead to many people putting off their goals and New Year’s Resolutions.

Psychologist Dr. Heather Fulton says we should try to not let our emotions or tiredness make our decisions for us – like going to the gym for example.

“Act according to your plan, not according to your emotion,” she said. “Remind yourself why it’s important, and then act according to the plan, not how you feel.”

“If [you] wait till I feel like going to the gym, [you’re] never going to feel that way.”

Fulton notes it’s important to figure out what’s getting in the way of your goals.

“It might be your plan to go to the gym after work. But you skipped it because you felt exhausted or tired and then you might feel worse, due to that guilt,” she added. “And then it worsens your mood further.”

“Don’t let that emotion, tiredness or exhaustion make the decision for you. You make the decision.”

While there is no clear evidence that the third Monday in January is more depressing than any other day, Seasonal Affective Disorder is a widely recognized condition that can affect people in the winter months.

The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health says that women, young people and those living far from the equator are more likely to develop seasonal affective disorder.