Feeling down? Try sharing a fondue with friends

FEELING depressed or lonely now the cold weather has set in?

Fear not, for a charity has come up with a rather unusual cure for the winter blues ... eating a cheese fondue.

The Helping Hand hotline noticed a surge in depressed callers as the weather grew colder and the days got shorter, so decided to compile a list of mood-boosting tips. It recommends fondue because Swiss cheese is particularly rich in vitamin B12 – linked with boosting energy and lifting spirits.

It is also a good source of zinc, which experts say could help improve mood. But crucially, fondue tends to be a group meal to be shared with friends, helping people feel less isolated.

Klaus Ruetschi, of the charity’s branch in Lucerne, Switzerland, said: ‘The idea is to combine eating with company.’

Among the hotline’s other tips to beat the blues were wearing bright colours and laughing more. A study from the University of Sus- sex’s Mind Lab found that blue and green made men feel happier, while blue, purple and orange raised women’s spirits.

Laughing, meanwhile, raises levels of endorphins. In fact, even the expectation of something funny produces a natural high.

Mr Ruetschi added: ‘People should give their soul a little holiday and they will see how their energy levels are replenished.’