It's the middle of January. Christmas is long gone, the sales are over, you've got no money. You've broken your resolutions, your bottom has gone from peachy to porky. It's cold and dark when you get up in the morning, and it's cold and dark when you get home from work. The middle of January sucks.

But Skype's website offers plenty of ways to cheer yourself up, and I suggest that you start playing around with them right now rather than attempt to travel home from work in today's ridiculous weather.

Happiness helper #3: Pretty up your profile

To put a new face to your name, click the Change button next to the picture that’s already there and My Pictures will open with a selection of images. Select the one you want – or click Browse and choose a picture from your computer's hard drive.

Happiness helper #2: Spread the word about your birthday

Add your date of birth to your profile, and all your Skype friends will receive reminders about your birthday. Hurrah! All you need to do is open Skype, go to File on the menu, select 'Edit my profile', enter your date of birth in the box and click Update.

Happiness helper #3: Buy a pal a Gift Certificate

Best way to earn happiness is to spread a little bit of it. Log on to My Account at the Skype Store, scroll down and select 'Purchase Gift Certificates', select the type and amount you want, and pay using the on-screen instructions. Hopefully your recipient will be so grateful they'll return the favour one day.