Exercise
Exercise is at the top of the list for a reason. Put on some workout clothes and get out of your apartment. Do any activity you enjoy like tennis, going for a run or swim, dancing, just whatever gets you moving. If you’re really not interested in any of these things then just start walking. Walk fast around a neighborhood or work up to a jog and just jog your feelings out. If it’s late at night, wear a hoodie and cry if you need to, just make sure you’re in a safe area if it’s nighttime.
Do Something Social
Studies have shown that social activities, like getting lunch with a friend, helps prevent or deal with depression. When you’re blue you feel like you have no one or like no one understands. But just having an hour or so to talk to someone can help relieve you of these feelings.
Go to Church/Religious Ceremony
This goes along with the idea that socializing actually helps with depression. Going to church, even if it’s not your church or you aren’t religious, shows you this large network of people that you could turn to if you feel like you have no one else. It also gives you a little purpose in your life because going to church is like having a meeting you have to go to. Plus it gets you out of the house.
Wake Up with a Purpose
Never go to bed thinking you will just sleep until whenever and then wake up and do nothing. Plan something if you don’t have anything going on. Even if your plan is to go out for coffee or go shopping, you will still have something to get you out of bed in the morning.
What NOT to do:
Drink alcohol. This is a quick fix. Always. Sure you’ll feel great for a while, but alcohol is a depressant and it will probably put you in an even worse mood.
Go on Facebook. You’ll log on for a minute, just to check your wall… and then you notice pictures of a friend having the time of her life, and you’ll start to pity yourself and feel alone. Just don’t do it.
Go for an emotional drive. I think driving can be a great release sometimes, but if you think you’re going to be really emotional or cry at all, do not get behind the wheel. You’ll only be a danger to yourself and other drivers on the road.
Think you’ll never get past this feeling. You will. You are strong and this feeling is only temporary. Make sure you do something about it though.
What Do You Think?
Will these suggestions help you? What makes you feel better?
