We all feel down from time to time, some of us more often than others. When you are at your lowest point, it can often deem like there is nothing you can do to get back on track and start feeling better again, but that is not the case – there is always hope.
If you are feeling down right now and you want to deal with your depression and start feeling better again, there are lots of things you can do as you will see below. Of course, if you think you may be clinically depressed, then talking to a mental health professional is important, but there are plenty of things you can do to help yourself too…
1. Do some self-reflection
When you are feeling down, it can be really helpful to do some self-reflection. Taking some time out to think about your feelings, and where they stem from can help you get to the root of the problem, and the more you are able to understand why you feel the way you do, the easier it will be for you to take steps to pick yourself up and find your way back to happiness.
2. Pray
If you are a person of faith, then taking time to pray and give your problems over to God can help you overcome fears of hopelessness and depression by reminding you that you are not alone and there is a higher power there who is always looking out for you. It can be incredibly comforting.
3. Talk to someone
Sometimes, all it takes to make you feel better is talking to someone you can trust. This can be a therapist, a friend, or a family member – it doesn’t matter as long as they are willing to give you a shoulder to lean on as you work through your thoughts and feelings without any judgment.
4. Spend some time in nature
Nature is a wonderful thing. From ancient trees that have seen so many changes going on around them to the soothing melodies of the birds flying overhead, being immersed in nature has been proven to lower stress and anxiety levels and boost mood. The more time you spend outdoors, the easier it is to focus on all of the wonderful things about being alive, which can really help to boost your mood when you are struggling.
5. Listen to music
Listening to a playlist of the most uplifting music you enjoy can also have a surprising effect on your mood. Sure, listening to a few tracks is not going to solve all of your problems in life, but it can lift your spirits and make you feel able to tackle your problems head-on, for sure, so whenever you’re feeling a little blue, turn to music and you will almost certainly find that it does help.
6. Journal
The simple act of putting pen to paper and letting your thoughts flow can be amazingly therapeutic. It enables you to get all of those negative thoughts and emotions out of your head and onto paper so that they do not trouble you quite so much, and so that you can really analyze them and get to the toot of how you are feeling if you wish to do so.
7. Exercise
Exercise is often the last thing you are motivated to do when you are feeling down in the dumps, but it is also one of the best things you can do for your body and mind. When you exercise at a moderate pace, your body will start to release lots of endorphins, which will naturally boost your mood. Some people swear by using exercise to manage their depression, so it is definitely worth giving it a go if you want to try and boost your mood in a safe and natural way.
8. Take up a hobby
Often, simply taking your mind off your troubles can make you feel better, especially if you are able to get into a flow state. This is generally easier to do when you are engaged in a hobby that you enjoy and which requires just enough effort to practice effectively. If you do not currently have any hobbies that you enjoy, then taking the time to explore your options and find one that puts you into the flow state of mind could really help you to manage your moods more effectively going forward.
9. Play with a pet
If you are a pet person, then spending some time, hugging, petting, and playing with your cat, dog or hamster could help you to feel a whole lot better. Numerous studies have shown that time spent with pets can reduce feelings of anxiety, stress, and depression and even lower blood pressure. Don’t have a pet? See if you can borrow one from a friend or neighbor for an hour or two and get some cuddles when you need them most.
10. Practice gratitude
Practicing gratitude is something that everyone should do no matter whether they are happy or sad. It helps you to start appreciating the little things in life a whole lot more, and when you can appreciate simple pleasures like sitting in the sun with your family, a nice cup of coffee, or a hot bath after a busy day at work, you are less likely to succumb to feelings of depression.
Buy a journal and make time every evening to list five things you have been grateful for each day. Pretty soon, your brain will start automatically looking for the positives in everyday life and you will feel a whole lot better.
We are only human, which means no one of us can expect to be happy all of the time, ut if you have been feeling blue for a while, you need to take matters into your own hands to bring about a change in your mood, and the above ideas will certainly help you to do that. I hope you feel better soon.
Mom on the go in Holy Toledo 