Ten Ways to Cheer Up
Chase the blues and overcome mild depression with these ten self help tips.
Everyone feels down at times, saddened by a bad day, a fight with a loved one, or a disappointing encounter with a customer or client.
Though people often say they’re depressed in these situations, they’re not talking about clinical depression, but feeling blue or sad.These ten tips will help you overcome typical sadness resulting from life’s small disappointments.
Shift Your Focus to the Present Moment
If you’re sad because you’re continuing to dwell on past events that were disappointing or hurtful, shift your focus to the present moment. The easiest and fastest way to do this is to focus on breathing. The automatic act of inhaling and exhaling can be harnessed to bring you into a better state of mind.
Long a fundamental component of meditation, a known stress reliever, your breathing is the act of bringing in life-supporting oxygen and eliminating carbon dioxide. Focus on each breath and feel the act of inhaling and exhaling. Concentrate on the inhaling cycle, imagining oxygen-rich air filling your lungs. Hold the breath for a few seconds and then exhale, imagining the expulsion of unnecessary gases back to the environment. Keeping your focus on breathing for several minutes will relax you and keep you focused on the present moment, which should lift your spirits.
Laughter is the Best Medicine
You can’t laugh and be sad at the same time. Pick up a good joke book, watch a funny movie, or tune into a cable comedy station. Laughter strengthens the immune system and creates an overall sense of feeling happier.
Take a Walk
Take a walk in a park. Notice the plants, birds, insects,
trees, and flowers. Observe the sky and watch the movement of clouds as they form ever-changing images. Find a relaxing place to sit and utilize the breathing exercise described earlier.
Be Grateful and Appreciative
Nothing raises the spirits more quickly than recognizing and appreciating the blessings you have. Focus on what you have to shift away from the sadness that often accompanies dwelling on what is missing or lost. Elevate your spirits at any time by simply thinking of three things for which you’re grateful.
Be Generous
Generosity has a way of lifting your spirits at the same time it’s helping someone else. Call or visit an elderly relative or neighbor. Spend some time just being with them, giving them the opportunity to talk or unload, or help them with a chore or errand that’s difficult for them to complete.
Exercise
Take a brisk walk, jog, complete some housework, yard work, or gardening. Exercise is a great stress reliever. If physically able, jog, ride a bike, or go swimming. Brisk or strenuous exercise and worrisome thoughts are incompatible; you’ll feel better and be healthier after your exercise.
Daydream and Savor Pleasant Moments
Recall pleasant experiences, such as vacations, travel, tender moments with loved ones, playful times with a child, or a big hug from a friend or relative. Savor the moment over and over as you recall it. Daydream about what can be in your future, no matter how unlikely it now appears. Savor the pleasant feelings.
Treat Yourself
Spontaneously treat yourself to a special meal or dessert. Buy something useful that you’ve always wanted. Allow yourself to break habitual daily work habits and just take a walk or read a book. Give yourself the day off.
Do a Fun Activity
List your favorite activities and then pick one at random to do right now. Write each activity on a slip of paper, put it in a jar or other container and then pick one at random. Do whatever is on the paper you’ve picked.
Thank Someone Who Has Helped You
Recall all the people who have made a positive impact on your life. Perhaps an elementary school teacher was particularly influential, or a relative was especially attentive and kind. Maybe a parent was particularly sensitive to your needs and said or did just the right thing.
Write that person a letter, expressing your gratitude and appreciation. Describe the impact the person had upon you and how you benefited. If at all possible, deliver the letter in person and share their experience in reading of your gratitude.
Overcome Mild Depression
The next time you’re mildly depressed, deep in the blues and focused on sad thoughts, use one or more of these ten ways to cheer up.
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