How To Become Happy When You’re Depressed

May 5th, 2010 By: Brittany

There are times through out life that we feel depressed. Many of us may encounter depression more regularly then others. Either way, it is important that we continue to not stay in a state of consistent depression. The hardest part about moving through depression, is lack of motivation. Let’s run through a few ideas to get you feeling better, and motivate you to become happy.

1. Take a walk. Walking is a very good start towards feeling happy. Not only does walking make you feel more motivated, but research has shown that it helps with the effects of depression.

Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin measured the moods of two groups suffering from depression after a 30 minute period. One group spent the 30 minutes walking on a treadmill while the other group sat quietly. They were surveyed five minutes before the session and five, 30 and 60 minutes afterward. Although both groups reported a reduction in negative feelings only the group that exercised acknowledged they felt good after the session.

2. Read or listen to something positive. It important to take into consideration that feeling depressed is very taxing on both our minds and body. Listening or reading to something is inspirational can quickly change our present outlook. Think of how you feel when you hear a touching story on the news, or read heart felts quotes. These all provoke a sense of positive thinking. Find quotes, read stories, or listen to a cd that inspires happiness.

3. Learn forgiveness. Forgiving yourself and forgiving others is important for happiness. We tend to be happier and live happier lives when he let go of our anger, hatred, and dislike for ourselves and others. Negativity can way you down and make you collapse into a deeper state of depression. Learn to forgive your self first. The best way to do this is to stand in front of a mirror as often as you need to, and tell youself, ” I forgive myself, I deserve love and I deserve happiness.” Once you’ve forgiven yourself; forgive others.

Although holding on to anger and hostile feelings can increase the risk of heart disease, forgiveness can diminish that risk. Not only does forgiveness reduce chronic stress, it also increases your sense of self control, which lessens the chance that you’ll overreact in stressful situations. Bottom Line Secrets

4. Help others. When we help others we help heal ourselves. Helping people for the sake of helping will not only help motivate you to go out and participate, but it will also make you feel needed. You could help a elderly neighbor wake her dog, read stories at your local children’s hospital, or you could volunteer at a soup kitchen. These are just a few things that make you difference for others, but can make a difference for you too.

5. Stand up for yourself. Letting others walk all over you can make you feel less of a person. Certainly, we don’t like to feel that we do or say doesn’t matter. Stand up to others when you feel others aren’t listening or giving you any credit. Many people who feel depressed at work feel so because they let their co-workers and manager walk over them. Standing up is important for self-esteem, self confidence, and motivation.

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