1 Listen to Upbeat Music. When it comes to depression management, I have always thought of music as food for the soul. An upbeat tune can change an atmosphere instantly and create a more positive vibe. Listening to upbeat, happy music alters brain chemistry and can improve your mood.
2. Therefore, I always listen to upbeat music when I exercise. (By the way, this is not a substitute for proper training. Exercising to the point of muscle exhaustion is not the same as exercising properly. Properly exercising too long will slow your metabolism down and leave you feeling sluggish and exhausted.)
Anyway, if you want to try this, I have found the following songs to be very helpful… Curious George – “I Love You To Pieces” The Go-Gos – “Gecko Time” Pointer Sisters – “Get Ready” Kenny Loggins – “Danger Zone”
3. Laugh Out Loud I am not a funny man. In fact, I have a difficult time even recognizing humor in other people. However, I do believe a good sense of humor is important for your mental health. Humor can take your mind off your troubles and make you feel less isolated. As humans we naturally seek out and enjoy the company of those who share our sense of humor.
4. In any case, I find that a good way to help myself (and others) when I am feeling down is to force myself (against my will) to laugh loudly and often. The only way I know how to do this is to listen to comedy tapes or watch comedy videos. Some of my favorites are: Comedians such as George Carlin, Bill Maher, Jay Leno, David Letterman, Mitch Hedberg, Jeff Foxworthy, Tim Allen, et al…
5. Meditate Meditating is a great way to clear your head and focus your thoughts. Apart from being a good depression management trick, t has been proven to lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety and stress, and even improve your immune system[2].
Try a few minutes of focused meditation at the end of your workout or everyday and you’ll see an improvement in your mood. To meditate, simply close your eyes and think about nothing for a few minutes. Focus on your breathing. As you breathe in, imagine all negative thoughts leaving your body… As you breathe out, imagine all positive thoughts filling your body… This simple exercise can have a profound effect on your mental and emotional well-being. Some people find it easier to meditate in silence with no music. Others find it helpful to listen to soft, easy-listening music.
In any case, whether it is depression management or just a quick pick up, I have found that laughing out loud helps…
Do Something Nice for Someone Else Sometimes it is easier to do something nice for someone else than it is to do it for yourself. And, often, when we do nice things for others we not only gain a sense of satisfaction and peace, but we also tend to make friends for life.