Beat the January blues

So you're back at your desk, its raining outside, you've piled on the pounds and there's not a lot to celebrate anymore.

But it's not all doom and gloom - London still has plenty to offer. Here's how to banish the blues and make the most of January.

1. Restaurants are notoriously quiet at this time of year - that means you can book yourself into a top eaterie, beating the waiting list and probably getting a discount too. Go to our restaurants and bars section for details.

2. Getting a ticket to a show in the run-up to Christmas is virtually impossible - but there are plenty of seats going begging in January. Browse our guide to the best shows and treat yourself to a night in the West End.

3. Missing those lie-ins already? Why not book yourself into a hotel for some five-star treatment? Enter our competition and you could win £500 worth of bed and breakfast at one of London's swankiest hang-outs.

4. London's weather is out of our hands, but we can still help you to book a trip to the sunshine with our travelAds section.

5. If the budget won't stretch to the Caribbean and you're looking at staying in until next pay day, you may aswell treat yourself to a case of wine to help you get through it. Visit our shopping mall to order online. And check the TV listings while you're at it.

6. Ok, so getting back into the swing of commuting is depressing. But you can take the sting out of it with our guide to the best books to look forward to in 2003.

7. There's no better way to get those endorphins kicking in than a good old-fashioned workout. We have great offers on gym membership , plenty of advice about how to eat your way to fitness, and we've got words of wisdom on how get back in shape from the personal trainers to the stars.

8. Been to the sales yet? Don't bother, the streets are packed. You can sale shop from your desk with our online shopping mall.

9. Try to recoup the cash you spent on Christmas prezzies with a cheeky flutter. We can offer you a free £10 bet on this month's football fixtures.

10. You might not be in the mood to go clubbing this month, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't get your music fix. We pick the best acts to come out of 2002. If you haven't heard them yet, make sure you do.