Surviving Blue Monday in Corby – and tips for the rest of the year

Updated 20 January 2025.

 

We’ve got tips to get you through not just Blue Monday in Corby but may help you throughout the rest of the year.

It’s Blue Monday folks, the bluest month of the year. The festivities that once graced Oakley Vale are long gone. Stay awhile; make a warm tea, settle in and let our words comfort you.

 

Oakley Vale basked in a soft, orangey glow of dusk
Golden hour: A throwback to January 2022

 

How to stay well in Corby

Discover some of the warmest stories and events happening in Corby this month…

Wellbeing Walks – Every week, various locations in Corby

Enjoy gentle walks across Corby, including Corby Boating Lake, East Carlton Countryside Park and Kettering Spring. These walks are ideal for anyone who would like to meet new people, get more fresh air, or have limited mobility.

 

Mind Crisis Cafe – 18 Argyll St, Corby, NN17 1RU

Northamptonshire Mind offers a warm and homely ambience in a supportive environment for individuals seeking mental health assistance. Located in an old vicarage which was generously donated to the charity, the cafe provides a peaceful and natural setting for visitors to improve their wellbeing.

 

Martial Arts classes – Oakley Vale – Free this January

Jado Kuin Do is a practical martial art that will boost your confidence, elevate your self-esteem and improve your mental health.
Classes are friendly and welcoming. Book here.

Tips for the New Year

Ignore the myths and discover some of our top tips to ensure you have a great start to the year this Blue Monday.

Make the most of daylight:

Being in the sunlight can significantly increase your mood and give you more energy, even in the cold weather.

Exercise:

This is one of the best ways to boost your wellbeing. A walk with friends can be a great way of getting some fresh air.

Oakley Vale and Corby boast numerous idyllic locations perfect for a leisurely stroll. With expansive recreational areas, picturesque woodlands, and inviting cycle tracks, residents and visitors alike can enjoy activities such as fishing, bike rides, and serene rural walks.

Conveniently situated on the cusp of the British countryside, consider these spots for your next wellbeing walk:

  • Great Oakley Park – Perfect for a Sunday stroll through fields populated by a flock of Jacob sheep.
  • Nature spots across Oakley Vale – Take a wander around Oakley Vale’s lakes.
  • East Carlton Countryside Park – Explore a nature trail and its heritage centre, before retreating to its popular café in the park.
  • Rockingham Forest – A breath of fresh air among ancient woodland, open farmland, and villages.
  • Weldon Woodland Park – This 40-acre park is a haven for wildlife and has several grassland walks to enjoy.
  • Fineshade Wood – Make sure to listen to the tranquil sounds found across the ancient conifer and broadleaf forest.
  • Corby Boating Lake – Located in the heart of Corby, this is home to a variety of wildlife.

More places to enjoy can be found here.

A balanced diet:

What we eat can make a huge difference in how we feel. When you are not feeling 100%, there’s a tendency to eat poorly by eating too much or too little. Having a balanced and varied diet can do wonders in improving how you feel.

Identify your worries:

Try to identify what is making you feel anxious or sad. Talking to someone you trust about your feelings, whether that be a friend or family member, is a great start in trying to make yourself feel happier.

Here is a list of organisations based in and around Corby that can offer support:

Northamptonshire Mind

Mental Health Northants Collaboration 

Corby Mental Health Resource Centre

Teamwork Trust

Substance to Solution

As we navigate the early days of January, we hope these simple tips help you to prioritise your well-being and make each day a step towards a brighter and happier you.

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