There is a lot to be said for the power of positive thinking, especially when it comes to depression. Depression can be defined as an imbalance of your thoughts and emotions. A person can get depressed for many reasons, especially when relationships are involved. If the person you were in love with suddenly ended the relationship, this might put you in a deep depression. But if this same thing happened to another person, they might handle it in a completely different way, not feeling depressed at all. It’s a very personal reaction.
One important thing do is always find time for physical activity, even if you don’t feel like exercising. Research has shown that regular exercise in people with depression will cause their energy levels to increase and lessen the feelings of fatigue, which is similar to what would happen if antidepressants were taken. Exercise produces endorphins which improves natural immunity and reduces the perception of pain. Of course, do not overdo it. Be sure to start small and progress slowly.
Be kind to yourself. If you are depressed, you feel bad in general. But this is no reason to neglect your responsibility to yourself. Even if you can’t force a smile or be happy, you can do the things you are really passionate about. Engaging in activities you really enjoy, and experiencing joy and pleasure from them, will considerably help with depression control. Incorporate fun activities into your schedule every day, such as:
- Cook a favorite food from your childhood.
- Volunteer – there are always places that need help.
- Invite your friends over and watch your favorite movies.
- Sing a crazy song in a karaoke bar.
- Say a little prayer.
- Kiss a frog, just in case.
Once you are out there and you see the smiles on the faces of your friends and family, you might be surprised to find yourself smiling as well and feeling a lot better.
To start taking back control of your life and start working your way out of your depression, make a deliberate effort to script every moment of every day. This sounds a little extreme, but it is more to constantly monitor your thoughts and change them as needed. By simply changing your mind at the exact moment you feel yourself slipping back into the same thoughts and feelings that got you depressed in the first place, you can start shifting your thoughts to new, more positive things. Everything is possible with the power you have deep inside of you! It won’t be easy at first – most things aren’t easy when you first learn about them, but through time and consistent effort, it will be second nature. Fill your head with positive thoughts. Create some phrases for yourself that are uplifting and empowering. Write them down and repeat regularly – at least once a day.
Rather than letting your negative thoughts control the way you look at yourself and your life, challenge them! Put a positive spin on something negative. Tell yourself that even though mistakes were made, you have learned from them and you will not make the same mistakes again.