IT'S seven o'clock in the morning, the alarm clock is ringing, it's dark outside and it seems as though it's particularly hard to get out of bed these days.

In fact, research shows this Monday will be the most miserable day of the year.

A mathematical formula devised by a tutor at Cardiff University reveals the combination of bad weather, debt, failed New Year resolutions and a lack of motivation all come to a head on January 24.

By then, says Dr Cliff Arnalls, most people will have gone back on the fags or the booze and suddenly realised they could not afford the Christmas presents.

So it's easier to stay in bed, but some of Worcester's biggest businesses do not have much sympathy. Indeed, the overwhelming response is: "Tough".

"Just do it - don't listen to the rumours or believe the fairy stories telling you you're supposed to be miserable and stay in bed," says Andy Taylor, human resources director for Lea & Perrins Worcestershire Sauce.

"It's not difficult, is it? It's just how it is every winter."

And he has his own tip for Dr Arnalls.

"My own advice would be for him not to fulfil his own prophecy, to get up on Monday morning and get a proper job!"

Meanwhile, Warndon-based npower claims it has the secret to making getting into work on winter mornings a piece of cake - by offering free breakfast baps.

As an extra incentive to get out of the car, cyclists at npower are offered a free breakfast bap when they get into work as a reward for their environmental efforts.

"We believe it gives sleepy employees extra motivation to get out of bed on winter mornings knowing there is a tasty, free bacon or sausage sandwich waiting for them," says npower spokeswoman Geraldine Dunn.

"Free gym facilities at our Warndon-based offices are also helping workers get to the office early and have a energising work-out before the day starts.

"Energy is at the centre of our business, so it is important to our thousands of customers in the area we keep our staff energised and keen to get to work - even on days when we'd all rather stay in bed," she said.

A spokesman for the St Peter's branch of Tesco said it was clear customers were determined to beat the winter blues.

"We notice we sell a lot more healthy living products at this time of year," he says.

"It would obviously be nice to stay in bed but you've just got to get up and get on with it - all the staff here are motivated and that's what counts."

So the message seems to be to ignore the darkness and the cold and just get on with it.

But if all that sounds too much like hard work, just stay in bed - just make sure it's a good one.

Manager of the bed department at Russell & Dorrell, in The Butts, Worcester has a vested interested in people not beating the winter blues.

"At this time of year, people are a bit warmer, a bit snugger in bed, and so it's so much more difficult," said Trevor Nash.

"It's such a challenge in January to get up early, particularly if you've invested in a good quality bed. My advice would be to get a cat. They always make you get up to feed them."

Drains and radiators

Jan Morris, an associate development consultant to Cargyll Consultants, of Lower Howsell Road, in Malvern, often gives advice to those who want to beat the winter blues.

"Think in term of drains and radiators at this time of year," she says.

"What drains you is people moaning and being negative, or just slouching on the sofa, which makes you want to do even less.

"What are your radiators that warm you up?

"Associate with positive people, play a mad, happy record in your workplace, watch an uplifting film or make your screensaver one of your favourite holiday snaps."