No one can deny that the best way to fight the blues is by trying to lighten your mood. However, that is easier said than done. You need to work at it.
Psychologist Daniel Koh (of Insights-Tse Pte Ltd) has some suggestions:
1 Watch a funny movie:
When we smile or laugh, the relaxation of the facial muscles sends a message to our brain that we are in a happy state and the pleasure felt during this process will make us want to laugh even more.
Laughter helps to lower blood pressure and may even lower the level of the stress-creating hormones in your body.
Plus, it increases blood flow to the heart and lungs, boosting your energy levels in the process.
Overall, regular doses of hearty laughter can also help improve your immune system.
Laughing can bring people closer together too, thus reinforcing a sense of social support for a person who's feeling the blues.
Laughter yoga and laughter therapy has been gaining popularity all over the world in the last few years.
Many health professionals believe in its therapeutic benefits and hospitals in countries like the United States are incorporating laughter therapy into their programmes.
2 Get some exercise:
Besides being a healthy way to vent emotions, exercise can improve brain function by triggering the production of endorphins - natural pain-relievers which, when released through physical exertion, can also give a sense of well-being .
Exercise can also help stabilise the neurotransmitter levels in a person's brain which can lead to an improved mood.
Therefore, regular exercise can help reinforce a positive mindset.
Joining a sports or exercise group activity can also improve one's social network, which can help those who are feeling lonely.
3 Socialise:
Those feeling low should engage with friends who are positive in their outlook, supportive and not unnecessarily critical.
When people are depressed, they may feel isolated, hopeless or helpless. Having a good social network to provide support and reassurance can help one snap out of a negative mood.
In communicating with others, negative emotions can be expressed and we can also learn from others how to cope with depressive feelings.
4 Get away from it all:
Take a walk in a park or go on a short holiday to de-stress and remove yourself from the environment that may be bringing you down.
It can help you think more objectively about whatever it is that is bothering you. The bottom line is that when you are relaxed, you will be able to think better and more rationally.
By changing your environment, you may be able to get a fresh perspective on life and find the motivation to move on.
5 Tell yourself to stay positive and mentally disciplined:
'Positive self-talk' can help rebuild your confidence and self-esteem. This can be done through mentally encouraging yourself to stay positive and to accomplish any tasks ahead.
Such thinking can build upon itself and help you fight off feelings of loss or failure associated with the economy.
By planning your expenditures carefully, you can help remove some unnecessary stress in your life as well. Avoiding impulsive spending can also help you improve your self-control in the long run.
Source: 'Mind Your Body' of the Straits Times dated 12 Dec 2008.
Original Title: Battling The Doldrums
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