Article By Kevin L. DeWitt

Maybe we are feeling overwhelmed, or feel bad because we’re not doing well with our goals.  From time to time, we all get a little down, maybe even a little depressed.  There are many reasons for feeling down.

Feeling a little depressed can interfere with achieving our relationships and goals.  We know we should be doing something, but we just don’t feel like doing anything. This can last for a long time if you don’t head it off as soon as possible. 

Take action.  Here are some ways to pick yourself up when you’re feeling down:

Make a list.  Sometimes we are depressed simply because we are overwhelmed with all the things we have to do that we haven’t gotten around to doing. So all the “stuff” that’s in our head can overwhelm us.  Start simply by picking up a piece of paper and a pen, and making a list of the most pressing things you have to do.  

Sometimes it’s work stuff, sometimes it’s stuff around the house that’s bothering us, sometimes it’s goal tasks, or a combination of these and more.  Simply making a list can be a relief … you’re getting things under control.  You can see, right in front of you, what you need to do, and that alone can pick up your mood. 

Clean Up.  Laying around in your underwear is not going to do you any good.  Simply showering and feeling clean can do wonders for your mood.  Brush your teeth, comb your hair, shave, do whatever it is that you need to do to feel clean and good about yourself. It is a quick pick me up!

Play Some Music.  I like contemporary Gospel music, Viva La Vida, the Beatles, the Tams, Chicago … and eclectic mix.  It doesn’t matter … you might have your own brand of feel-good music.  Whatever it is, turn it up, and let yourself move to the beat.  It works!

Act.  You’ve made a list and you still feel overwhelmed? Get started on the first thing you need to do. Is it a big task?  Break it down and do the smallest task, something just to get you started.  Once you get started, once you get into action, you’ll feel better.  You might still feel overwhelmed, but at least you’re doing something.  Once you start doing something, you’ve got momentum, and that feels much better than lying around feeling sorry for yourself.

Work Out.  Believe me when I say I know, you might not be in the mood for exercise!  But just do it anyway.  Taking a walk, going for a run, going to the gym, whatever it is you do for exercise … get out and do it now.  You don’t need to do a hard work out, but the simple act of exercise can lift your mood immediately.

Out of the House.  Sometimes, if you stay home lying around, feeling depressed, just getting out (after showering) will change your mood.  Staying home all the time can really get you down, and you may not realize this until you go out and do something. Get out and do something on your list.

Talk.  Do you have a spouse, significant other, best friend, family member, co-worker you can talk to?  Talk to them.  That’s why they’re there.  Getting things off your chest makes a big difference, and can be a huge lift … and most time the things that you were so worried about or that seems so big really aren’t as big and scary as you thought.

How do I change?
If I feel depressed I will sing.
If I feel sad I will laugh.
If I feel ill I will double my labour.
If I feel fear I will plunge ahead.
If I feel inferior I will wear new garments.
If I feel uncertain I will raise my voice.
If I feel poverty I will think of wealth to come.
If I feel incompetent I will think of past success.
If I feel insignificant I will remember my goals.
Today I will be the master of my emotions.
-Og Mandino, “The Greatest Salesman in the World”

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