Self Help Tips for Feeling Depressed
These self help tips from positive psychology researchers will help you find happiness and meaning in life.
Anxiety, stress, and depression
If you’re feeling depressed and looking for a way to find greater happiness try these self help tips from positive psychology researchers.
Self Help Tips for Finding Happiness
Focus on three positives each day: Each day offers plenty of opportunities for feeling good. We tend to take many positives for granted, such as having good food, shelter, clothing, and people we love who love us. Today, and every day, make a habit of noticing three of these blessings. It will lift your spirits.
Don’t expect continuous happiness: Life is filled with experiences, some positive, some negative. Don’t expect to be continuously happy, but don’t expect continuous depression either. Recognize the value of contrast in life experiences. Happier and The Pursuit of Happiness provides more on this concept.
Remember to be grateful: Gratitude is uplifting. Recall someone who has been or is helpful to you. Send that person a message expressing your gratitude-a letter, email, or phone call is easiest, but a personal visit is best. Read Psychological Research on Gratitude for additional information.
Forgive: Though we think of forgiveness in relationship to others who have harmed us, in reality forgiveness is a gift you give yourself. Relieve yourself of the burdens of anger, judgment, and self-pity by forgiving. Forgive others and forgive yourself, letting go of the reminders of hurtful past events.
Positive Psychology Research Findings
Find meaning in life: Those with meaningful lives are found to be happier by positive psychology researchers. The life purpose category in this blog contains much more information to help you find meaning in life.
Be generous: Generosity helps both giver and receiver to feel happier, by reinforcing the human connection. Whether your gift is money, time, or wisdom, give generously. Learn why Generosity is a Key to Happiness.
Exercise: Stay physically active, whether by regular walking, housework, gardening, or workouts at a gym. Exercise stimulates the immune system and is a great stress reliever.
Use your strengths: Psychologists know we each have unique capabilities they call signature strengths. We feel happier when using these strengths in daily activities, so identify your strengths and find new ways to use them each day. Positive psychologist Alex Linley describes the Benefits of Using Strengths.
Improve your relationships: Strong relationships are known to be a significant component of happier lives. Nurture and value your relationships and work continuously to strengthen them.
Give yourself meaningful goals: The pursuit of meaningful goals is satisfying and fulfilling. When involved in working toward meaningful goals we feel
Goal Setting, Achieve Goals
energized, excited, and happier. Read this Summary of Goal Setting Activities for many tips on successful goal setting.
Enjoy your work: For many people, work is a drudgery. But there is much you can do to make your work more enjoyable. Find ways to incorporate your signature strengths in your work. Look for ways to identify meaningful components of your work. When possible, do one work activity at a time and relish it when completed. Find Passion for Work Using Personal Strengths provides much more.
Express yourself: Allow your expressive creativity to come forth. Keep a journal and write about your daily activities, your feelings, and insights about life. Write an essay capturing your beliefs about life. Write a memoir capturing the defining moments of your life.
Boost your feelings with positive recollections: Reminisce about the positive experiences in your life. Recall moments when you were very happy, very proud, and fulfilled by accomplishments or relationships. Allow yourself to savor these good times over and over.
Find Meaning in Life Through Mindfulness
Enjoy each moment of life: Learn the practice of mindfulness, the art of being fully present and aware of each moment of life with full acceptance. Life is composed of a series of present moments, but we often fail to live them fully because we’re focused on the future or past. There’s more on mindfulness in Mindfulness Training for Personal Awareness.
