I am not talking about clinical depression in this article, as medical advice should always be sought if you are truly depressed. I’m talking about low moods within the normal range of emotions that we all experience at some point, and which you can do something about.
There are many ways to lift your spirits, ranging from a few simple and quick fixes, like listening to the right music, to developing a new way of looking at life.
For an easy mood lift, get to work. Physical exercise can work like magic. A brisk walk or bike ride outside, swimming, a game of golf, a gym, a yoga or pilates session can make us happier. You can also be busy at home, as gardening, cleaning out a closet, cleaning the bathroom, or washing the car also work well, as long as the activity doesn’t feel like a chore. Focus on using your muscles, lungs, and coordination, and on the fact that your body is working, and you will find greater satisfaction.
If you have less capacity to go out, an activity like writing, knitting, painting works well too. While the physical benefits are very small, the mental focus on accomplishing something worthwhile rather than on the cause of low mood gives you a mental and emotional break and provides positive thinking and action. I paint, photograph and write, and I am always happier the busier I am.
Volunteering is great. It may take a while to find a suitable activity or organization and set up your volunteering, but I highly recommend volunteering. It gets you out of the house, doing something constructive, very often helping people or improving the environment. Not only is this helping you look out at the world rather than your own problems, but you’re also being a big help, with the added bonus of meeting new people and learning new things.
Which brings me to the benefits of learning something. This could be a regular class, where you learn a language, a skill to improve your job prospects or a trade, or it could be something you do at home. Find out what classes are available in your local area. However, it doesn’t have to be a class. Rediscover your local library or use the Internet to find inspiration. Learn to make your own pasta or bread, learn to knit, grow plants, repair furniture or fix your bike, and you will be engrossed in a worthwhile activity with a worthwhile result.
In the longer term, there are things to think about that will help you develop a more permanent positive frame of mind.
Think about things in a positive way. By this I mean not to focus on the ‘poor me’ aspects of your situation, but to work out what is important to you. Look outside to try to better understand the world and your place in it. Find value in the non-materialistic, and you’re more likely to be in a good mood. Develop your inner life, your spirituality. How you do this will depend on your personal circumstances and interests, but focus on the aspects of life that don’t revolve around possessions and the need for money. Appreciate your family, friends, the natural world, doing things and participating in the community and you are more likely to be content. The alternative, wanting material things, needing money to spend on clothes, expensive nights out, and expensive vacations means you’ll be striving for things that don’t really matter, and also living beyond your financial means. You are almost guaranteed to be miserable.
I will end with two observations. Do not think that you have the right to be happy, and that if you are not happy it is someone else’s fault. Happiness grows from within and from leading a life that gives you satisfaction and the opportunity to grow as a person.
Choose your friends wisely. Cultivate friendships with those who have a healthy outlook on life, who are busy, happy with the simple things in life, and who offer genuine friendship.
