It’s tempting to hunker down, stay at home more, and go into hibernation mode.

But attractive though that may sound, it’s unwise in terms of our mental health.

We need variety and stimulus. We need company. We need fresh air. And we need to be living a full life rather than a dilute version of it.

When I was working as a therapist, I used to encourage patients suffering from low mood to notice, and list, five enjoyable moments every day.

This was surprisingly effective, so I recommend it now as a strategy to help keep us smiling through the dark, inclement weather.

In fact, most of us, if we put our minds to it, can manage more than five.

As I’ve mentioned, I’d experienced two cheery happenings this morning before I’d had my second cup of coffee.

The first was that I put on plenty of robust clothing and went out to walk briskly for an hour.

I know I’m always plugging the virtues of doing this, but that’s because walking is one of the very best stressbusters and mood-lifters that there is.

The second special moment was when Sarah, my favourite local courier, turned up with a parcel.

She was all smiles as usual,........

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