Self-Help

When you are feeling blue or down in the dumps, what can you do to pull yourself up? First of all you can find inspiration in many sources.

For some it’s poetry or nature. However other forms are music, paintings, movies, short stories, religious writings, autobiographies or popular songs.

It is helpful to keep in both your memory and a journal what has been uplifting for you during times of difficulty. Is there a person in your life who always makes you feel better or gives you a sense of hope?

It can be an aunt, an old college roommate or an elderly neighbor. Get in contact with them for some support. Sometimes watching something innocent and playful can change our moods. For instance, seeing a puppy, kitten or newborn baby exploring the world can open our eyes up.

If you find that depression is something that is a chronic problem, there are effective treatments including cognitive-beahavioral therapy, biofeedback, st john’s wort and group work. Working out is a good way to get psychological benefits along with physical ones. Due to the endorphins that are produced in the brain getting released we feel invigorated.

Additionally if you hold your tension in your muscles, a good workout will often give you a strong sense of well-being and satisfaction and it will continue beyond the actual time of exercising. As a side note, as you get in shape, your confidence will increase because your body is more toned.

For most people, inspiration is needed related to specific circumstances. A friend may be going through an illness and you feel helpless or your boss may have praised a co-worker but not you and you feel unappreciated. We need a pick me up at those times. Draw on sources that have been helpful to you in the past as they are keys to opening up your heart and changing your perspective.

It’s useful to have a little notebook where you can have the stories, quotes and songs that lift you up. Then find the cd or re-read the story a few times so that you feel the changes in your mood.

By disciplining yourself this way, you are transmuting negative moments into positive moments and learning a skill that will carry through tough times.

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