FEELING cheerful today?

That's because May 18 is the happiest day of the year - according to the psychologist who devised the mathematical formula for the most depressing day last winter.

Remember the cold damp nights of January, when all we had to look forward to was weeks of winter?

Many people made New Year's resolutions that didn't even make it until the end of the month.

But May is when people have the willpower and optimism to keep to those resolutions that may have fallen by the wayside in the dark days of January, according to the equation worked out by Dr Cliff Arnall.

Dr Arnall, a specialist in happiness, motivation and confidence at Cardiff University, says all sorts of factors contributed to people looking forward to the future at this time of year.

They include higher levels of motivation and more time to do things due to the increased amount of daylight and the number of bank holidays.

"Many people start the New Year with plans to change their life, stop smoking, improve their skills and get fit for summer," said Dr Arnall.

However, because people tend to feel down in the depths of winter, these resolutions are often doomed to failure.

"By May, with more time for reflection, and summer on the way, there is a lot of positive energy around associated with growth and renewal," added

Dr Arnall.

Peter Hill, the leader of Smoke Free Worcester, agreed May was a good time to kick the habit.

"People want to be healthier and, fitter and there is also a benefit financially," he said.

Fitness is also something high on the agenda at this time of year. At the One on One Fitness Centre in Bromyard Road, Worcester, the happiness May brings encourages people to take to the gym.

"It's obvious that when the sun comes out, people are more motivated to get fit," said Paul Dugdale, who works at the centre.

"Straight after Christmas we also get masses of people, but obviously people want to get fit before their holidays."

But the sun does not always aid motivation.

Claire Hamilton, of Droitwich Road, Worcester, is revising for her accountancy exams but the sunny weather gets in the way.

"Yes, it makes me a lot happier at this time of year, but the last thing I'm motivated to do is work," she said.

how happy are you?

Ivan Dent, aged 58, on holiday in Worcester from Burton-upon-Trent, said: "When you get bright, sunny days like this and lovely countryside like there is around the Malvern Hills, it's bound to make you feel better. We came down for the Spring Gardening Show. We go camping in the summer months and activities like that are something you cannot enjoy in the winter."

Jaque Cook, aged 48, of Sandys Road, Barbourne, Worcester, said: "There are an awful lot of people who aren't positive, but you've got to look for the good things in life, there are too many bad things. I do a lot of activities, like walking my dog Milly, and singing, all year round, but of course on a nice day like this it's much easier to be happy."

Henna Kalviainen, aged 26, of University College Worcester, said: "I come from Finland where we're used to the long dark nights, but when we have endless sunshine in the summer it does make people more cheerful. When you're depressed it's less to do with the time of the year than other circumstances - I eat chocolate to make myself feel better."

Victoria Gennard, aged 23, of University College Worcester, said: "I've been feeling fed up today, but it's true, the nice weather does help to cheer you up. A nice walk makes you feel much better. Usually I tend to have a laugh with the girls and that always perks you up. Plus I've finished my dissertation so I'm free to enjoy the summer."