Everyone feels sad from time to time, but for those who are clinically depressed, finding their way back to happiness can seem like an insurmountable task. There are small steps you can take to lift your mood when you find yourself sinking into depression. According to Gretchen Rubin, bestselling author of "The Happiness Project," taking an action is the key to feeling better. If you can bring about a change in your mood, you can bring about a change in your situation.
Step 1
Compare yourself to others who are less fortunate. Remind yourself of exactly how much worse it could be. Find at least one thing you have for which you can feel thankful.
Step 2
Look for meaning in your situation. For example, if you hadn't been through a painful breakup, you might not have gone searching for the better partner who is out there waiting for you. Sometimes having our heart broken reminds us how much we are capable of loving, and how much passion and joy we are capable of feeling.
Step 3
Move your body. Even if your arms and legs feel like lead, even if your head hurts to think about it, force yourself to move yourself through space. Play your favorite song as loud as you can and dance. Exercise release endorphins, "feel-good" chemicals that can lift your mood.
Step 4
Change something that needs to be changed. If you feel incapable of enacting that change in your own life, there are plenty of other people you can help. Make a donation of time or money to a cause you believe in, offer to run an errand for an elderly neighbor, or adopt a stray animal. Tell yourself that you will not go to sleep until one thing in the world is better because of you.
Step 5
Call a friend. Many people have a tendency to isolate when depressed, which gives them more time to ruminate. Pick up the phone, call the first person you think of, and tell them you need help. If they live nearby, ask them to come and get you out of your house. This small step can remind you that you are connected to a larger world full of love.
