How to Boost Happiness When You're Depressed
By Brandi Goodman
People who have been diagnosed with depression may find it difficult to feel anything but sad. With a few tips, however, even those who struggle with depression can find times of happiness. It's important to look for the good in life and let in the light so the darkness of depression does not swallow you up.
Create a Happy Space
Think about the things that make you happiest. Whether it's your family, some of your favorite movies or shows, books, or something else, these things need to be included in a happy space you can create. This happy space should be where you go when you find yourself feeling at your lowest. It will remind you of the things you love and help you to see that life isn't all bad. Place posters from your favorite movies on the wall or put up pictures of your spouse or kids. Add colors that you enjoy and quotes that mean something to you. This happy space should be all your own.
Add Personal Time to Your Routine
Often times, we focus so much on our to-do list that we leave no time for ourselves. This can worsen feelings of depression. You need to add personal time to your routine so you always have a moment to yourself to collect your thoughts or do something you enjoy. This could mean spending 10 minutes every morning drinking a cup of coffee while you read the morning paper or reading a book before bed. Make the time your own and always be sure to take it.
Schedule Time With Loved Ones
It can be easy to feel disconnected from your loved ones if you're feeling depressed. You may not even feel like socializing with them at all. Always do, though. Schedule time with your loved ones so you can stay connected with them. These connections are needed so we don't feel alone and allow our depression to worsen. This could mean planning a monthly date night with your spouse or significant other or meeting up every Saturday morning for coffee with a friend.
Mental health is important to consider. If you're already feeling depressed, remaining isolated from others or surrounding yourself only with depressing things and feelings will do you no favors. It will make matters worse. Instead, make time for yourself, for your loved ones, and for happiness and you'll experience an improved mental state.
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