Blue Monday is officially the gloomiest day of the year due to a toxic mix of cold, dark nights, the failure to keep New Year resolutions and the dreaded arrival of credit card bills.

But living in Scotland means there are plenty of ways to beat the most depressing day – the third Monday in January – as our dramatic scenery and historic sites make it an ideal place to recharge batteries and be kind to ourselves.

“Wellness” tourism, with its focus on creativity, peace and tranquility, is growing in popularity as people feel the need to take a deep breath amid the hurly-burly of a return to work and family commitments.

VisitScotland chief executive Malcolm Roughead said: “Whether it’s connecting to nature or seeking a spiritual meaning to your travel plans, wellness tourism is a trend that’s not going away and is expected to continue growing.
“The beauty and tranquility of Scotland’s natural environment provides a picturesque backdrop to work on your mind, body and soul.”

Recent trends for wellbeing activities include forest bathing, the Japanese art of losing yourself among trees to relax, which has a royal fan, the Duchess of Cambridge.

Kate is helping to design a woodland-themed garden for the Chelsea Flower Show, and has brought in the concept of forest bathing, or shinrin-yoku, where city workers can immerse themselves in a green space to combat the stress
of work.

There are claims that forest bathing leaves you calmer, happier, boosts your immune system and improves mood.

Scotland’s lush woodlands lend themselves to forest bathing, and the Forestry Commission recommends trying Cardrona Tweed Valley Forest Park, Faskally, Tay Forest Park, and Glentrool, Galloway Forest Park.

The benefits of being outdoors are widely known and Scotland is home to a wealth of options. 

They include bagging a Munro, walking the West Highland Way, which runs from Fort William to Milngavie, or the Cateran Trail, a 64-mile route in the glens of Perthshire and Angus. 

You can also go stargazing in the Cairngorms Dark Sky Park, the most northerly dark sky park in the world.

Seeking a spiritual meaning to travel is becoming a popular trend, from admiring religious architecture to gaining enlightenment through nature.

Outlander fans will be familiar with the powerful feeling of walking among ancient stone circles and standing stones, whose ancient purpose remains a mystery. 

Kilmartin Glen, between Oban and Lochgilphead, has one of the most important concentrations of Neolithic and Bronze Age remains in Scotland, while the Calanais Standing Stones on  Lewis are believed to be 3,000-5,000 years old. 

The Ring of Brodgar on Orkney has 27 stones and is part of a Neolothic World Heritage Site.

We have some exceptional historic churches and champing – camping in a church – is an emerging trend. 

Orr you could follow in the footsteps of saints and go on a pilgrimage such as the Way of St Andrews in Fife, or St Cuthbert’s Way in the Borders.

Mindfulness is a popular trend, along with yoga and meditation, which can be practiced in the spiritual community at the Findhorn Foundation.

Those with an interest in Buddhism can retreat to Samye Ling in Eskdalemuir, a large Tibetan Buddhist temple and monastic community in Dumfries and Galloway. 

Holy Isle, near Arran, is a Centre for World Peace and Health and offers retreats throughout the year.

Indulging in a creative interest is also a way to relax. Artists can head to a retreat or workshop such as Cockenzie-based Paintbox Art, Rusko Studio in Dumfries and Galloway or Tantallon Studios near North Berwick, and there are cookery schools such as Ballintaggart Farm in Perthshire and Nick Nairn Cook School in Stirlingshire.

Clinical psychologist Dr Sally Austen said: “While getting outside and doing an activity is helpful when you are feeling low, remember that it’s okay to feel a bit flat at this time of year.

“It would be unhealthy if we were constantly happy and it’s perfectly natural for our moods to go down as well as up.

“Don’t worry about sticking rigidly to New Year resolutions and concentrate on making small, achievable changes.

“And don’t panic if you are having a blue January. 

“Be good to yourself and have a duvet day if that’s what you feel like. 

“A lot of us are skint and knackered after the festive season and need to rest.

“For some that means getting out into the fresh air and sunshine for a walk, for others it means setting up camp on the sofa with a packet of biscuits and binge-watching Robot Wars.”

Other alternatives could include Celtic Connections taking place across Glasgow, trad music, roots and country bringing out the foot-stomping spirits for the next few weeks ahead.

Of course if all else fails, if the mojo has gone and the lure of comfort folk beckons, then hiding under the covers for 24-hrs might just about be understood.