Tip 1 – Turn Up the Lights
Many of us are impacted by light. Studies have shown that many people get more depressed in the winter time due to the decrease in the amount of sunlight or natural lighting. Try having more lights on in the house, or turn up the wattage. If that does not help, you might try some of the natural full spectrum light bulbs. If you think about it, plants grown better with a “grow light”. Why is that? It is obviously providing something that our regular light bulbs do not. There are also special lights and lamps for those that are affected by decreased light, otherwise know as the seasonally affected. You might want to do a Google search to see what is available.
Tip 2 – Play Music that Makes You Feel Good
I used to automatically recommend soothing music to make people feel good. However, sometimes you are in the mood for rock in roll, other times you might be uplifted by country and western. And still others by opera. Stay away from music that has angry and depressing words which can trigger even more depression. I like to have a supply of music in the varying genres, that I know ahead of time I enjoy and also have positive lyrics. So, feel the beat!
Tip 3 – Listen to What You are Saying to Yourself
All of us have “old tapes” that we play in our heads. It is amazing how often they reflect those of other people in our lives, our parents, bosses, and spouses. Listen to what your thoughts are. Be especially cognizant of any negative self talk. Do you verbally beat your self up throughout the day? If so, it is time to change this pattern. You can choose what thoughts you want to listen to, but first you need to become aware of what they are. Then, you can begin the process of catching your self, and deciding what you want the new thought to be. It can be as simple as I like myself better each and every day.
Tip 4 – Read or Watch Something Funny
This is such a simple tip and easy to do. I used to clip out the comics to have on hand for people. Or I had some corny jokes that I would use. It is amazing how the cornier the joke is, the more we laugh. I still smile and laugh at the old “knock, knock” jokes. Another idea is watching a funny movie which takes no effort except for putting it in the DVD player. Just push the play button and your mood is quickly uplifted.
Tip 5 – Get Moving
Yes, this one is about exercise. But it can also be about play. What activities do you enjoy that get your body moving. Is it a walk in the park? Is it dancing? Is it bicycling? Even bowling gets your body moving. Studies have shown that exercise releases endorphins, so let’s take advantage of this free activity.
Tip 6 – Watch What you Eat
Okay, so many of us don’t like this one. But when your body is not getting the nutrition it needs, you will often feel lethargic and not well. This makes us more irritable and depressed. So look at what you are feeding your self. Does your food have what the body needs to fuel and regenerate itself? Food closer to its natural state retains more of the enzymes and vitamins needed. The more processed your foods are, the more likely it is that your body will take a lot longer to eliminate what you don’t use and that makes you tired and not feel good. So, experiment with foods that have a freshness to them, such as juicy fruits, and some exotic vegetables.
Tip 7 – Spend Time with a Good Friend
When you are down, it is good to be around other people. The more isolated you are, the more your negative thoughts can get you down. Doing something fun with a friend is an easy way to lift your mood. Or when things are really tough, having a friend that listens to you can ease some of the burden.
Tip 8 – Listen to Positive Affirmation Tapes or CD’s
This is one that I use frequently. It is a simple way to counteract negative self talk. I have several positive affirmation CD’s. I play them with the volume where I cannot consciously hear them. In this way, I have made my own subliminal CD. What I have found, is that when we are feeling blue and we listen to an affirmation tape, we will argue with it. By having the volume where you cannot hear it, the positive statements go directly to your subconscious. So, with the push of a button you have now uplifted your mood.
Of course this list is not all inclusive, but it is a great start. The more you use all of the tips, the better you will feel. Start with one, and add from there. Good luck!
