Keep Your Spirits Up.....

Sure, summer is officially over but that doesn't mean we can't be content with the fall season. For us in the South, it's a big relief and a chance to go outside without being blasted by hot, sticky weather.

Depression is a tough bear to deal with but whatever situation you are in which affects your life, there are some tricks of the trade to undo the damage.

1. Remember your blessings: This idea is a great one if you can find a way to remind yourself when you are in the depths of self-pity.  It's like a snowball affect and once you start to remember, the reminder of the blessings in your life just come rolling out.  Keep it going once you start and you will find your sadness disappear.

2. Find a fun hobby:  Work has you down??? Tired of the grind?? Find something you have been wanting to do for a long time and start doing it.  Did you know that most people only dream about what they really want to do and never do it?? Check out the book: The Power of Doing Something Stupid by Ritchie Norton.  Always wanted to paint? Get started with paints and paper and be creative.  Love to crochet?  Start with easy stitches and crochet. Always wanted to remodel that old car in the back? Get out there and start.  This hobby of yours will release the stress that you feel every week and you will develop something you can be proud. It is amazing how keeping your brain occupied on something else besides what you are worried about can help your attitude. It might even be contagious and turn out some great memories for the rest of your family.

3. Start a "Happiness Jar": This idea is so smart. Find any empty jar you have in the house and every time you think of something that makes you happy, write it down and put it in the jar. It doesn't matter what the paper size or color. Any corner of a scrap piece of paper will work and after so long when you feel that depression coming on--read all the papers.  It is amazing how reading those little pieces of papers will lift your spirits and change the atmosphere for the rest of the day.


4. Enjoy a nature walk: The great thing about the fall season is it is cooler and there are wonderful smells outside. Taking a walk not only lifts your spirits, it helps your physical health. It doesn't have to be a long walk but just getting outside helps a depressed heart. There is something about getting in the out doors that really helps brighten the day.  Unless of course it's raining. But a walk on a beautiful autumn day is unbeatable for a depressed mind.

5. Do some service for others: It never fails. Whenever I get into a depression and I do something for someone else, it always helps me to feel great!! This lifts my spirits and I feel better the rest of the day.

Dealing with depression is not fun.   Remember to include good health and sometimes taking a good, long drink of water or eating an apple can help fight the blues as well.