Okay, this is the first time I’ve heard this type of thing, but apparently, there’s such a thing as the worst and most depressing day of the year.
Chuck it up to an agglomeration of factors that come together to make us feel like crap. There’s a guy named Dr. Cliff Arnall, a known researcher from Cardiff University who has made a reputation out of developing a formula that predicts which day we’re supposed to feel the most lousy.
This formula is described as elaborate and based on the same things that our common sense tells us is the cause of our gloom:
- It’s cold.
- It’s dark.
- It’s rainy and miserable (in some places anyway).
- We’re poorer than we were in December (more credit card debt, bigger bills to pay!), especially for those of us who took in more debt to pay for our holiday extravaganzas.
- It’s the start of another long year.
- It’s the flu season.
- The holiday celebrations are over — the mood has changed and it’s back to work and possibly, drudgery.
- We’re seeing the effects of having eaten much more during the holidays. Do your skirt or trousers still fit?
- Our new year resolutions are far from getting addressed.
- Our motivation levels are running low.
- There’s nothing to look forward to for a while.
- And this year, it doesn’t help that the stock market is in the dumps and our accounts are whithering so early in the year.
No…really, among these you’ll find the very factors the good doctor uses to figure out which day has the worst effect on the collective mood of the general populace. For 2008, January 21 has been designated as the most depressing day of the year based on Arnall’s “formula expressing the delicate interplay of lousy weather, post-Christmas debt, time elapsed since yuletide indulgence, failed new year resolutions, motivation levels, and the desperate need to have something to look forward to.”
For those math lovers out there, here is the actual formula for calculating the dreaded date for Blue Monday:
1/8W+(D-d)3/8xTQMxNA calcualtes the lowest emotional point of the year. Dr. Arnall did this at the request of the travel industry, which wanted to know the best day in January to book a summer holiday. Arnall factored in the dreariness of the (W)eather, the arrival of maxed-out Christmas bills or (D)ebt, minus monthly salary (d), (T)ime elapsed since Christmas and the failure to keep a New Year’s resolution or to (Q)uit a bad habit, low (M)otivational levels and the need to take action (NA). Blue Monday is the Monday closest to the date this formula yields, since Monday is the most disliked day of the week.
Nice. Unfortunately for Dr. Arnall though, mathematicians, psychologists and others in the academic community scoff at his work, saying this is bogus or trivializes depression. But according to this Time article, there is some support for this theory after all, from possible patterns seen for search engine traffic referencing depression-related drugs and information.
Despite all the criticism, I find this analysis pretty persuasive, since I used to be much more affected by such moods when I was younger, single and with less money. Since the weather throughout the year hasn’t changed since I got married, banished my credit card debt and built a decent net worth, I’d have to rule out weather as contributing to any winter blues I’ve had in the past.
These days, I look at a gloomy, wet sky and think it’s going to be good for my garden. And we won’t have a drought this year, I hope. 🙂
But you don’t have to fall for all this. If you simply want to feel better, here are some tips to improve your mood without adding any more to your financial concerns or debt burden. Hint: You won’t have to go this far to cheer yourself up but hey, it’ll probably work!
How To Feel Better For Cheap (or Cheaper)
- Exercise. Lift your mood with some aerobic exercise or weight lifting or some other physical activity since doing so boosts your body’s natural mood regulating chemicals. You’ll produce more endorphins and raise your levels of your brain’s natural antidepressants: norepinephrine, serotonin and dopamine.
- Get enough sleep. This totally works for me. I found that once I’ve caught up with my sleep, I feel tremendously better. We all function better, think clearer, feel more refreshed and less stressed once we get into the habit of getting enough sleep.
- Watch the alcohol and say no to drugs. I think this is self-explanatory.
- Practice deep breathing to reduce your tension and stress levels. This will release more oxygen into your system along with those endorphins and help you relax.
- Keep to a routine.
- Don’t push yourself too hard or get stressed out.
- Take care of yourself if you get sick. Please, please get better before showing up to work! This way you should feel better faster, and your coworkers will thank you.
- Try to have fun. Maintain some social contact and don’t isolate yourself if you can help it. Get connected or reconnected: feeling lonely can trigger the mood swings!
- Get some light. If you are affected by Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D. refers to having the symptoms of depression tied to the seasons), step into natural sunlight as much as you can. But it sure doesn’t help when you face blizzards and extreme temperatures for weeks on end. If you stay indoors a lot, you can consider an S.A.D. lamp (for artificial light) though some researchers say that it’s real sunlight you need.
- Maintain good eating habits. Unfortunately, you may now be facing the consequences of having eaten too much high-caloric food over the holidays. Feeling a little puffier and heavier can be depressing I know! But you can make it up by reviewing your eating habits. Start the day off with a good breakfast and eat the right kind of foods on the right schedule. Why not try these foods to feel better.
- Take your vitamins. You want to maintain “balance” in your system and there are elements in a multi-vitamin that can help, including selenium and antioxidants.
- Schedule your breaks and vacations for the dead of winter and go somewhere warm and sunnier this time of year. Instead of taking all your vacation days in the summer months, why not reserve some in January or February? Then fly to Hawaii, or the tropics somewhere, or South America. Plus, you’ll probably get much better rates since you’re traveling off-season!
- Don’t overspend on the holidays. Budget your money carefully before December hits and you won’t get the added stress of added debt.
I know a guy who takes off on ski trips with his family all throughout the winter and you can bet he’s always in a good mood. He’s addressed many of these pointers by (a) getting lots of exercise, (b) hanging out with his family and (c) having the trips to look forward to.
As for me, I’m in a pretty cheerful mood despite the fact that we’re in the midst of the Hollywood writer’s strike (which is what normally depresses us couch potatoes 😉 ). Yeah, even if my credit card bills are a little fatter than usual and the stock market is on a downtrend, I’m not feeling all that grim. Maybe it’s because I’m looking forward to the new life I’m planning to start in the next few months, when I finally end up owning my own time and becoming my own boss. By that time, it’ll be the happiest day of the year as per Dr. Arnall, who’s also calculated that date to be on the third week of June 😀 :
Dr. Arnall has also calculated the happiest day of the year. In 2005 he found it was June 24[4] and in 2006 it was June 23[5] For this he used a formula which uses factors including: the outdoors, nature, social interaction, childhood summers and positive memories, temperature and holidays.
The seasonal disorders specialist has devised a formula which measures good mood using increased outdoor activity, high energy levels and more sunlight. The equation Dr Arnall devised to find the happiest day was O + (N x S) + Cpm/T + He. Within that, O stands for being outdoors and outdoor activity, N for nature, S for social interaction, Cpm for childhood summers and positive memories, T for temperature and He for holidays and looking forward to time off.
It won’t be long now…
Image Credit: CM-Life.com, BBC Sport @ news.bbc.co.uk
Copyright © 2008 The Digerati Life. All Rights Reserved.
LOL this reminds me of the “numbers guy’s” obligatory statement that he can “devise an algorithm” 😉 Slapping an equation on something doesn’t make it scientific. Just to spite the equation I’m gonna make today a great day. It maybe it will be a great day because I didn’t make any new year’s resolution, didn’t go into debt to buy presents, etc.. which leads to the inevitable conclusion that my mood is really controlled by a simple equation. Ack, I need so adjust the parameters that decides how sardonic I’m going to be as a function of calendar day 😀
Lol, I’m actually not as depressed as normal today. Which is strange since I’m depressed every day. It didn’t even start bad. And then things went well at work and I made a family really happy. And I read a bunch on the ride home. And my husband did the dishes so I came home to a clean sink. 🙂
I had my most depressing day of the year yesterday. Man-o-live, I couldn’t get motivated for the life of me. I just sat at my computer and Stumbled for hours on end. I’m feeling better today. 🙂
I heard the same report this morning. I like your tips. I wrote some of my own about using today to restart a NYE resolution to get in shape. For me, working out on a rainy day really turns around my mood. It’s much easier now that the gym is less crowded.
Running around half naked will make anyone less depressed =D. Exercising has to be the best way to get rid of depression.
I have to agree that the only thing that I find depressing is going to work for someone else. I recently saw a commercial that shows everyone trying to keep the sun down to avoid Monday and I think omg that is me. I did stumble across James Brausch and his Freedom Business System & I have to say I may finally have figured out how working for myself online could be a reality! Thanks for you blog.
I am feeling good today because it’s a bank holiday and I don’t have to work. My most depressing day will be tomorrow. I have to wait until Memorial Day Weekend to get another paid holiday.
This makes a lot of sense – especially where I am. It’s bitterly cold (-20 degree windchill), gray, and the financial services industry is downsizing – lack of job security is never good.
Thank goodness spring is just a few weeks away…
I’m bummed because today is the last official holiday for a few months. After Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s and MLK Day you start to thing these long weekends are norm. Back to reality, I guess!
That post made me laugh like no other! And the picture made it THAT much better! THANKS!!! 🙂
I heard about this story on the news, but didn’t really think much of it. I actually had a better day today than a lot of days. But I guess some people get a kick out of things like this.
Great timing, cause today is a black day for me…
Nothing has gone on, just one of those days where it is hard to break out…
Thanks for the tips!
Yeah, it’s hard not to feel down today when the stock market has essentially erased its gains from the last year.
But this too shall pass.
It is a different story if you’re perpetually feeling crummy. It would be time to seek medical advice if that is indeed the case.
I was feeling great till I saw the various indexes. Now I understand why the indices are reacting this way, I think.
It must be because of this (1/8W+(D-d)3/8xTQMxNA)
Can someone order a few more rounds of (O + (N x S) + Cpm/T + He), please?
I think you should have go to an event, concert or show. You don’t have to pay that much just to get out and do something differet. I just comparison shop for event tickets.
Look at the positive – in 20 days all the Valentine’s Day candy will be 1/2 price.
Can’t wait!
Hmmmm…. Valentine’s Day candy = sugar binge = happy thoughts! Sounds great 😀 Okay but remember that sugar binges also lead to sugar crashes and weight gain, water retention, etc. 😉 Your pick!
Cliff is on to something with getting out for events, concerts or shows. A change of pace can be a mood lifter for sure. Especially if you’re after entertainment!
What a great post. This is sure to cheer everyone up. Very funny story!!
I think you should have go to an event, concert or show. Thanks for the tips!
Thanks for post.
Exercise, Get enough sleep, Watch the alcohol and say no to drugs, Practice deep breathing to reduce your tension and stress levels, Keep to a routine, Don’t push yourself too hard or get stressed out, Take care of yourself if you get sick, Get some light, Maintain good eating habits, Take your vitamins, Schedule your breaks and vacations for the dead of winter and go somewhere warm and sunnier this time of year, Don’t overspend on the holidays.
O.K., first going to exercise.
This is sure to cheer everyone up.
funny story!!
I will try all of these..I have been depressed for a long time:(
running in speedos while there is snow on the ground. Man if that doesn’t bring a smile to your face and cheer you up nothing will.
Honestly, many things effect mood but the ups and downs of life are normal and to be expected. Not to downplay the reality that some people are clinically depressed, I think these days we are too quick to characterize a bad day or two as “depression”. People turn to pills when they should be looking at funny pics like the one posted above….now that puts ME in a better mood.
I have to agree about exercise. I have to exercise at least three times a week or I get anxious and depressed. I guess another benefit is a healthy body 🙂
i read it all
+
read the comments
=
still Depressed 🙁
How about another article to cheer me up? 🙂
I have to agree about exercise as well — I’d suggest aerobics and weight training to get your endorphins flowing and banishing the dark moods!
Here’s an additional recommendation, based on personal experience: if you live in one of those rainy and miserable places (e.g. the UK, make a permanent move to a sunny climate (e.g. Florida). It works wonders!!!
Hi Colin,
Your idea sounds great! You got any property you want to sell me? 😉
now im depressed after reading this! j/k lol
This really a great post, depression is a very serious condition that effects many. You give some great information on how to combat it. Most people want to lay around and do nothing thinking it will go away. The tips you have are great, exercise being one of them.
thanks,
Janet
Thanks, what useful tips … i will make sure to do these things when i am depressed.
Hi SVB
Yeah, just a little, but nothing like enough to cause any sort of depression! If the alternative lifestyle is to be commuting into Central London (which I did daily for about 8 years) or working with overbearing execs (even more years!) as well as dealing with UK rain, then living in Florida and dealing with a temporary real estate blip is nothing to worry about.
Give it a try – it might even beat Silicon Valley life!
Exercise is definitely the best medicine in my experience. The problem is usually I must force myself when I am feeling down.
you are right about your advice about feeling better by doing the things you mentioned above, but i think that what can be most useful is to sleep a sufficient time and to have a lot of fun
Thank You for the tips. Now I found some good stuff to keep my mind off negative things.
you know what, every time you keep your mind positive, your life would be easier for you..
🙂
I think the “gloomy” winter months depress most of us. Im an “up” kind of person but over here we are heading for the tail end of months of gray skies and (thankfully) drought breaking rain. A glimpse of blue skies through the clouds today has been enough to lift my spirits. The giggle I got after reading your article helped too 😀
Running in the streets topless is guranteed to make you happy!!! To me winter is a fun season. But to my friends, it seems to be the most boring and depressing season!
Nice article buddy. Thumbs up!
I love the winter months. Put in a nice movie, make some hot cocoa and snuggle with the one you love. If you dont have someone I really think a nice book will do just fine.
Imagine, laying on your lazy chair with hot cocoa on the table and enjoying a peaceful day reading a good book. You can’t go wrong.
You have covered all of the primary factors that I find most valuable in keeping fit, productive and happy. Daily exercise is a must. Plenty of fresh fruits and veggies (especially salads) are crucial. At least 8 hours of sleep. A carefully selected array of vitamins. Going easy on alcohol. And some good friends and good times.
Hey, some great tips there for us feeling the blues!! I guess we just have to place our minds outside ourselves and look at the problems more rationally. Just a thought! Great post!
Running around as you are naked makes you really happy or better? However it seems silly, believe it 🙂
On the other hand this is really very very interesting article. Congratulations !
Depression is a growing problem, it’s nice to know that just a few simple changes in lifestyle can have such a big impact on mental health. Good post!
Depression makes our life dull and it is also dangerous for our health — so keep smiling…..:)
You offer good practical advice: be balanced. We can get caught up in day to day stresses and responsibilities and end up in a funk.
if i were depressed and you asked me to exercise, I’d probably ask you to shut it. Though running around half naked in winter, yup that would definitely snap you out of it though.
Exercise really is a mood changer. I find it when I don’t exercise I feel terrible.
I love the idea of exercise! I do agree with you and LC that exercise is a good way to turn that frown upside down!
Just saw the image of the men running in the cold. For a couple of years i have been swiming in the ocean during the winter. just half a minute a day, but it gets the blod running and is great for the mood
One good way to get out of depression is to help someone else get out of depression. 🙂
i am really disappointed …i lost the deal but when i saw this i feel little bit relaxed and i realized few important things …Thanks
I cheer myself up by blogging! LOL.
Hey don’t be sad just think positive and enjoy your day, and have a good breakfast.
Amazing article, i often happen to be moody and gloomy withput knowing the actual reason. This article is of great help to me, thanks a lot for helping me cheer up. You really made my day.
Thank you very much for writing such a great post: I was deeply depressed and couldn’t see any reason why? The post is motivating and is a blessing in disguise.
Thanks again
Martin
Just seeing half naked guys running around the streets is enough to lift my depression =)
exercise is a great way to relieve stress and stress is the main factor of depression !
Thanks for your article. The picture make me laugh.
Ed: Well, I’m glad that cheered you up! 🙂
I’m not depressed today, but when I will be, I will read this article:P
You must just think about good things, this is the key…
I am not depressed but this is very useful information to anyone who is. I would assume that these suggestions are much better for you than being treated with Prozac.
One of the great ways to beat blues is by reinstating faith
I got here to read about depression but I have to say that the photo here just made me laugh, laugh and laugh.
Wow! This is a very good post. Thanks for the tips, this will surely help some people who are getting depressed and yet, they still don’t know what to do.
Nice list
One free method is to count your blessings everyday. I mean the ‘little’ things like health, food, clothes, friends, warmth
They are not such little things after all when we view how frequently they impact on our lives
Very funny! Loved the picture – if anything, it’ll make you forget your problems even for just a little while! 😉
Seriously – great advice. Now, if we can only get started doing it! Life is good; it’s all what YOU make it to be. Don’t let circumstances bring you down.
Another tip is to avoid MSG as much as possible. I also find that getting more sleep helps as you stated. 🙂
Yes I agree doing some exercise helps people to get rid of depression. Also eating well!
You offer good practical advice: be balanced. We can get caught up in day to day stresses and responsibilities and end up in a funk.
I couldn’t agree with you more with doing regular exercise.
Hmm.. how about doing shopping? they say it could also get rid from any anxiety and depression..?
really nice derivation through formula. Very nice and interesting post … now i ll implement and try this on me….
Getting relief for depression is very very important for a happy life. The sexy way to get rid of depression is to have sex. We can get rid of depression this way as well as stave off head-aches, stress, and even some cancers.
well very nice written posts. i was really feeling depressed for last two weeks because of my results:( now feeling quite good:)
You left an important tip off of your How To Feel Better For Cheap (or Cheaper) list:
Read a funny and insightful blog post about depression that includes a mathematical formula for calculating depression and some tips for cheering yourself up.
Spot Cool Stuff,
That’s a good one! Very clever. You made my day! 🙂 Thanks for the great tip. I wish you an awesome New Year!
Thanks for offering good practical advice: be balanced. We can get caught up in day to day stresses and responsibilities and end up in a funk.
Excellent write up. Diet and exercise are so important to your health and as a result, your mood.
Running can be as effective in controlling the symptoms of major depression as medication.
Running has certainly helped me to personally overcome depression
depression is a slient killer thats what i think and you gave such a wonderful tips to get rid of depression that really very good. from your article it seems that you are very caring for other as you wrote a article which will really help other people to get rid of depression and this quality of caring for other is not in every one.. so may god bless you…it was very well written article and provide very good tips.. thanks for this…
regards,
clare
Read your post about depression including a mathematical formula for calculating depression and some tips for cheering yourself up 🙂 Anyway thanks for this post.
Ed: Thanks for your comment. But please be advised that this site is family friendly, if you didn’t think that was obvious enough.
Thanks for these cheery tips my wife has used them and is feeling much better you are a saviour!
This is a really great post. I just wanted to point out the importance of sun. I once lived up north in Norway for a year (military). Half that year, it was just a couple of hours with sun. We all got really mopy, but when we took some sun (in the machine) the energy and happiness came back to us all. S.A.D. is really interesting. I don’t know too much about it, but I think its the serotonin/melatonin balance that gets affected by no light.
lolz… very nice and funny post but it helps a bit for those who are in depress… 😉 keep it up..
February used to be a rough month for me. I made a conscience effort a couple of years ago to consider February my lucky month. It is the time to make things happen. Try things I’ve never done. Write new articles on the blog.. Just make it your month and it will be!
Great tips for the cloudy dark winter days
I think the worst month for me would have to be november, a lot of bad crap always happens to me, lose my job, my cat got sick, my best friend fell ill. Generally speaking i think the transition period from fall/summer in to winter is a very depressing time.
Today it’s snowing and the road to work is too bad to drive down so I am home alone and bored. Need cheering up!
Great post.
Ive actually heard that there is a “most depressing day” of the year before.
February is a rough month for me financially and for work ethic! Just dont know why haha!
hehehe, great post. Or should I say wonderful photos. The depression can be cured in many ways, one of them (I use often) is to think of something nice and meet with people you love in order to make you feel good or better.
Seems like everyone is depressed and it just keeps getting worse. I hope that it all turns around soon. 🙂
Allways look on bright side of life 🙂 Great article, stay positive !
Cheer up! Stay positive and everything will work out! Great article by the way!
hahaha these are good tips for cheering up, but you should add prayer to help you cheer up when you are depressed… trust me it works!
This is a pretty sweet blog, i’ll be back for sure. Just thought I’d drop a line. See ya!
in these tough economic times, you can’t help it but to be sad. but you have to always look on the bright side and new opportunities will come for you. My blog also relates to information like this.
I love your whole list… but it is the exercise that keeps me sane, and on an even keel, even when times are tough like now. And you have to keep up your social contacts– but I couldn’t argue with anything you have here.
Arrrggghhh,i depressed to,but,when i depressed,i always listened a hero song(by maria carrey),do u know this song?
“…and the hero come so long,with a streght to carry on,and u catch to fill the sun,and u know u can SURFIVE,..”
Yeah,absolutely,this song is very powerfull,make me realize,that life is sacrifice,
no sacrifice,no victory!right!
He he, this post help..
and try this one, go inside a room (big one) and lock it…
START RUNNING! and smile and laugh like crazy people do..
it works 😀
I always do that if i’m depressed, it decrease my depressed status
someone have tips for making disappear depressed??
i very depressed because brokenheart…:(
I find that a good night’s sleep does wonders to both – mental as well as physical well being. Great article by the way. Keep it up!
Interesting article. I read from the beginning until the end and enjoy the contents. I haven’t been on the depressed mood (really). I love jogging and I love rainy days! How about that?
Cheers!
“when I finally end up owning my own time and becoming my own boss” …this is what I am looking for too. If you can run a business on your own you will only worry on one factor, that is, what is your customer going to say unless you can do a good job. But then feeling of depression can be worst off if not going to cut it off by other alternatives. Its hard though.
cheers 🙂
Here in Denmark it is the cold weather and the dark winter that makes people depressed. Some of the advice could help us cheer up during the cold months…(-;
awesome article.
inspiring and solid message. i liked your list of ways to feel better. i think one you left out is simply deciding to feel great. it’s a choice. and it’s your choice.
respect
alex
This may sound weird but a good tip is taking a look at your diet, especially if you intake a lot of sugar.
Sugar essencially gives you a “sugar high” but it comes with a price. You will crash hard, which results in your body feeling depressed.
By removing or drastically lowering your intake usuage you’ll notice a huge mood change.
Hi,
Give the gift of time. Sit by your friend’s side and merely listen as she pours out heartfelt feelings. Accompany her to a doctor’s visit or to consult an attorney. Offer to go wherever she likes for an evening out. Take a country drive or a city walking tour to see something new and get her mind off her troubles.
Regards,
Adora
I have been taking my vitamins, but I don’t think it is helping. Guess I’ll try getting some sun.
Acupuncture supposedly helps a lot as well. The father-in law swears by it!
Wow .. What they don’t freeze!
hahahah… thumb up for the 4 guys in the photo. so cold, so cold. LOL
Always keep a smile on! It could help! 🙂
what? people run in a snow n just wearing a speedo :-s
Hey! I loved the article. I also think that exercise is one of the biggest pick-ups you can do. I know if I spend too much time online (often), I get depressed too.
One thing I’ve found that helps is singing out at open mics. (It’s actually the reason I started my website). It’s part exercise and part stress relief. You just need to get past the stage fright!
Hmmm…the only thing I’m doing right is watching my drugs and alcohol.
I think depression, and especially anxiety, are sometimes learned responses. I had a medical issue a couple of years ago. Long story short, I was told I was dying. And even after they said, “Oops, you’re fine,” which came a couple of months later, I struggled with anxiety and depression for the next year. It was as though once my body got used to being depressed and anxious, it couldn’t let it go.
I think you should have go to an event, concert or show. You don’t have to pay that much just to get out and do something different. I just comparison shop for event tickets.
having a good hobby or passion will keep depression or anxiety away.
Hobbies is what helps for me. I don’t suffer from depression, anxiety on the other hand is a totally different ballpark. If it wasn’t for me always trying to get into things or tinker and play with things I would go stir crazy. It bugs me to just sit around too. So imagine having bad anxiety plus being depressed. Jeese.
I think depression is a worst disease. The main cause of depression is stress. There are various kind of good solutions from preventing ourselves from depression like doing regular exercising, laughter therapy etc. Well Good post..
Yes sometimes depression is not just a state of mind that can be controlled. It can be a psychological disease for some which needs medical attention.
Well when I feel depressed, I would usually have someone to talk to me over my problems or try to solve it with a counselor. I think this would help a lot.
So many people turn to over the counter drugs when they’re feeling down or can’t sleep. I understand that this is quick and easy but I don’t believe in it. I think working out everyday and getting more sleep is something that should be done first.
Thanks for sharing your tips. I usually do overspend during the holidays that’s why i feel depressed. I think its time for me to just relax… and have some exercise.. this seems to be cool… 🙂
I don’t suffer from depression, anxiety on the other hand is a totally different ballpark. If it wasn’t for me always trying to get into things or tinker and play with things I would go stir crazy. One thing I’ve found that helps is singing out at open mics. (It’s actually the reason I started my website). It’s part exercise and part stress relief.
Generally, stresses are part of our life and there’s really no need to launch any formulas to realize that they are inevitable and unpredictable. Long standing in a traffic jam, seeing that someone is beating a homeless dog with a bat, professional failures, dispiriting weather…all these everyday stresses are not the prime cause as such.
We should search the origin in ourselves. Instead of shedding tears over something we don’t have or we don’t manage to do, it really makes sense to rejoice about something that you have or you manage to do. In the case of failures instead of asking “Why”, it’s better to think over: which my actions brought about this failure and what I can do to settle it? Then many stressing factors, like weather or “someone-has-stepped-on-my-foot” really fade away. Another factor – there will always be some things that we can’t change or anyhow influence on. Then, the abovementioned types of panacea will really cheer you up. Exercise is good, it really makes you stronger and sober-minded. Completely agree.
This really a great post, depression is a very serious condition that effects many. You give some great information on how to combat it. Most people want to lay around and do nothing thinking it will go away. The tips you have are great, exercise being one of them.
I have no problem with my mood until I attended in a university. I had lack of sleep because my sleeping time had reduced by part-time work and college activities. that’s what you have mentioned in the 2nd point about how to cheer up my life. Up to now, that thing is still annoying me.
Keep smiling and be open minded. that is the old recipe of stress relief
Well, it’s a very fascinating approach to determining the cause of depression. Amusing at the very least! 🙂 Great suggestions to battle the feelings of depression.
Hey! You really made me smile with the photos and ridiculous ideas! That’s some comical relief already. Great work!
Many people would be surprised by this but switching over to a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals along with adding an exercise regime does wonders for depression. Setting and accomplishing goals is also another great way.
Editor: Oh the irony!
Really nice post, but the best way is to forget all the bad past and live happily. That’s the way to go through it.
I have to agree about exercise.
Always think positive because negative thinking can depress you.
I’ve been in a rut lately about my finances but like others have said, be positive and things will pick up for sure.
this is a wonderful tip – and scientifically proven…
Simply place a pencil in your mouth and grip it with your teeth for 10 seconds.
This forces your face muscles into a smile, and causes the brain to release happy chemicals…give it a whirl next time your stuck in traffic…you’d be surprised!
I always find i feel depressed, but i feel great when i’m doing things that i love!
hahah that japanese picture cracks me up
It is a different story if you’re perpetually feeling crummy. It would be time to seek medical advice if that is indeed the case. I have to agree that exercise is a great way to keep your moods uplifted.
“….It’s cold., It’s dark., It’s rainy and miserable (in some places anyway). …..”
Hehe… It sure sounds like you live in Denmark 😉
MMM, I have been doing regular exercise and I have been earning money from it: I am a sportsman….
You wouldn’t catch me running half naked in the cold like that! lol
One thing that works for me that makes me feel better for free is (well practically) is cooking. which is strange because i am a guy. but i find it hard to get angry or upset in the kitchen. and even on good days when i hit the kitchen and start cooking i feel better than i did before i start. i dont know if this is just a me thing. but i recommend it. it makes my life more stress free.
–Bruce
I always find i feel depressed, but i feel great when i’m doing things that i love!
Most people want to lay around and do nothing thinking it will go away. The tips you have are great, exercise being one of them.
mmm… Good but Yoga is better than exercise to make a healthy mind & body…
When being depressed, having a soft talk with your close ones really gets you moving out of that! Light music or a long walk may make things better.
Great post. Those are very practical ways to stay happy. I’d have to agree that there are a lot of unhappy people today, no matter what day it is. You gave a great example in people being depressed because they lost a lot of money in the stock market. If you’re going to risk investing in the stock market, you probably invested at least $5,000 or else you’re being ripped off. Not to mention that paper money is fraud. I think there’s something wrong with the formula though. Dr. Arnall didn’t take into consideration that some people like the dreary weather. So they’re happy with the weather. 🙂
I like to keep fit, but i spend a lot of money doing it.
Fresh air does wonders for your body and spirit. If you can go to a park or a place in nature, even better. Here are some things you could do: go for a walk, fly a kite, plant some vegetables or flowers, roller skate, ride a bike, or go on a ‘treasure hunt” to find things for an art project.
Tell me if the asian guys in speedos isn’t the cutest picture you’ve ever seen?!
Very nice, this is best way to clear your body and get refreshed!
I love your “how to feel better for cheap list”. I’d like to forward your ideas to a friend whom I’m afraid may be experiencing depression.
The guy I like a lot just told me there is no hope that he will commit. I became so depressed after that and after a few more days of people ganging up on me and yelling at me for stupid things and feeling lonely even when I’m with a group of people, I am not very happy at the moment. I don’t even want to live anymore. I know its overdramatic of me, but that is how I feel. However, reading that post just reminded me I haven’t been running like I usually do. Perhaps because I have been pigging out my self esteem has gone down. I shall run 2mm!
Very nice analysis. I think first of all, we should have an optimistic attitude. Be relaxed and you’ll find your brain suddenly refreshed.
You may lay on the beach for hours. Relax your mind and body. Don’t push your desires up to the sky. It will make more stress.
your feel better soon just try and relax.
it’s the best thing to do when you feel like that.
Good article. I especially liked the formula that they derived for the most depressing day of the year. I think that may be a little off though. I don’t like it when scientists or researchers think they can explain everything by an equation. Anybody could tweak that and get their own results. For example, you could add you own variable like “distance from valentines day” which would add even more depression to single individuals.
Nice tips, however the most important IMHO is a positive thinking… And respect for the feelings of the other… We cant just minimize the grief and pain of someone, if we do understand him/her then this kind of behavior will start to sparkle the sense of companionship, destroying the solitude and helping to warm the heart of a depressed person…
Of course all the recommendations that you have in your post are important. I just want to say that you need to learn to enjoy life and get pleasure from it. Simply from the fact that you live on this planet. Learning to live in harmony with oneself and with others.
I can’t get motivated for the life of me. I just sit at my computer and Stumble for hours on end.
Those are some really good tips. I find myself getting depressed sometimes and the thing that cheers me up the most is Music. I just put on some upbeat music and I’m good again! I love to dance so that could be why.. even if I’m dancing around in my living room lol.. but it definitely cheers me up.
But you shared some other great tips that I’m definitely going to try as well. Thanks!
Interesting and informative article!
TriNi
I try to live a life in harmony. For instance, I will not push my self too hard in working, studying. Just enjoy my life, it will reduce stress.
Great and thanks for your tips. I bookmarked your site. I am not sure whether I can do all the things mentioned here. But I will try. What about Yoga? I am doing Pranayama. It’s really related to breath and helps in reducing stress easily.
I went for a while without exercising and recently started back again. I noticed an almost immediate change in my energy levels and mood. I also cut my drinking back and have felt a lot better from that too.
Haha, I totally love these naked dudes running around! Never did this kind of running event, but I will sure participate in one of these in the future. Keep it up!
For some odd reasons, I feel the most sad during the Christmas Season. Although there is a lot of happy people around the mall, singing , partying and all that, I just feel gloomy during the Christmas holidays — it’s probably the weather.
I’m just as guilty as anybody for not taking care of myself. And because of it, I’ve got a variety of health problems including gastritis (not eating healthy & way too much coffee). If you sit at a computer all day it’s a death trap unles you go out some time during the day and exercise. I’m off to do 100 situps!
“…or take a trip to Hawaii”
Apparently this is the upper class guide to getting cheered up.
Anybody could tweak that formula and get their own results. For example, you could add you own variable like “distance from valentines day” which would add even more depression to single individuals.
I’m just as guilty as anybody for not taking care of myself. And because of it, I’ve got a variety of health problems including gastritis (not eating healthy & way too much coffee). If you sit at a computer all day it’s a death trap unles you go out some time during the day and exercise. I’m off to do 100 situps!
Just relax. You will feel better. Regards Vingino.
Tai Chi is always good for relaxation too 🙂
The Japanese do some strange stuff. I though that was only for TV. Really interesting and funny story. It just made me relax a little bit and smile!
Everyone talks about all these Asian techniques for relaxation. Whatever happened to good old, turning on an aromatherapy candle, putting on a little jazz or classical music, and just lay back. Hey, it works for me!
I was feeling depressed until i saw the guys running in their budgie smugglers lol,
Thanks that made my day so much better.
I try to live a life in harmony. For instance, I will not push myself too hard with working, studying. Just enjoy my life, it will reduce stress.
That naked cold run looks awfully painful!
cool tips. Thanks for a very complete thoughts and knowledge about getting rid of depression. It is easy to manage and these tips add to the already established solutions. Thanks.
PS.
I like those Japanese dudes.
For a really great Q & A (interview) with Dr. Norman Rosenthal, who studied and coined the term SAD (or winter depression), check out this link.
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