PRESS readers did their very best to beat the blues to start the week as the 'most depressing day of the year' arrived.

The third Monday in January is often referred to as Blue Monday: a day synonymous with the festive season ending, bills needing paid and the weather being particularly grim.

This year's Blue Monday was made even worse by the current lockdown restrictions Fife and mainland Scotland currently finds itself in.

So, we asked you, our readers, to let us know what you were doing to cheer yourself up.

We put the question to you on Facebook and more than one hundred of you came back to us with your cures for the blues.

Among the Facebook comments were NHS workers, with one of them spending their Monday looking forward to new beginnings.

We wish the best of luck to Claire Tinto, from Dunfermline, who said: "Waiting to start my new job in the NHS this week."

Linda Finlay, said: "Blessed to have a job with NHS, so work for me today."

Elaine Lennox marked the date with a very welcomed appointment, stating: "Getting my Covid-19 vaccine."

Dave Roper, more commonly known as his alter-ego, Duloch Spider-Man, was out and about bringing smiles to faces.

He said: "Running to Busy Bees Nursery as Spider-Man to wave at the kids!"

Heading outside and stretching the legs was also on the agenda for Issy Nicholls, who said: "Getting out into the fresh air for a six-mile walk. Feel invigorated once done it."

Nicole Greer had a similar mindset, commenting: "Going to go on a nice, lovely walk and then come home and be creative. Going to redecorate an ornament my mum bought me."

Ann-Marie Millmore said: "Going to my allotment to harvest some parsnips, swede and spuds."

The kitchen brought joy for many, with Marilyn Styles, stating: "Making Focaccia bread - keeps me busy".

Leah Adrienne Bell said: "Baking and eating cakes."

Audrey Steele was in the generous mood, commenting: "Baking to hand into neighbours."

There were also celebrations to be had as Lee Sinclair's daughter turned 13, Carrie Murdoch's son was wished many happy returns, while Jade Bremner celebrated her wedding anniversary - we hope you all had a great day.

Norman Kyle had his hands full on Monday, but wasn't complaining: "Being a teacher. Reading, writing, sums, drawing and show and tell on granddaughters agenda today. Love it."

Angela Day, meanwhile, had an eventful Monday: "Up early, tidied up, washing, drying sorted, ready for home schooling..."

Gordon Hollinsworth was anticipating one aspect of the 'new normal' which many people have come to hate, as he laughed: "Another Microsoft Teams meeting..."

Speaking of technology, Ian Ogilvie decided to take in some sightseeing: "I am touring around South Africa... thanks to Google Maps."