Thomas Gouard
The depression that I hate is the depression that comes out of nowhere, and when I mean out of nowhere I am mean it literally sneaks up on you. It sneaks up on you when you are in a peaceful mood doing your normal things. However, the best thing about depression is that it does not last long, meaning it is only temporary. Remembering that makes fighting it much easier plus having hobbies that enlighten your mood to combat what you may be feeling depressed about helps too. Triggers can stem from our co-workers, friends or loved ones can come in the form of feeling unloved; unwanted or like you do not belong which can turn into something larger, if you do not know how to control it. Lolly Daskal quoted “When we allow negative messages to fester in our head, they take on a life of their own.” With that said, I share with you four ways to enlighten your mood to counter depression that do not involve chemical substances.
Comedy – Comedy results in laughter, which enlightens your soul. A great thing about technology is that most of us have access to a smart phone, which gives us easy access to things like YouTube or the worldwide web that have some of our favorite comedy skits and videos in the palm of our own hands. Nevertheless, no worries if you do not have a smart phone, because you can get the same enlightenment from watching comedies on television, or being around that comical one in your life.
Music – I am sure you have your favorites, but music can enlighten your mood also, plus it can help you relive certain memories in your life whether good or bad, but I hope only good memories. I say use it! Even when you are not feeling down in the dumps, or better yet start your day off with it! Some of my personal favorites include Bee Gees ‘Staying Alive’; Elton John ‘I’m still standing’’; Ellie Goulding ‘Lights’; Beyonce ‘Single Ladies’; and Fantasia ‘Sleeping with the one I love’, just to name some. I have noticed that my better days are days when I start it off by listening to my favorites, including anything on radio station 97.9 The Loop, and rest assured they always put me in a happy-go-lucky mood, and will even have me singing too.
Positive people – Being around positive people can enlighten your mood as well, such as volunteering at a food pantry or even serving dinner at a shelter. One thing for sure is that it will get your mind off your current situation, and it will give you the chance to do something good in the community, which has therapeutic effects as well. For me, a church has always been a priority because people at a church will not judge someone for what they may have on their mind or may be dealing with. At my church, I have always been welcomed with open arms every time that I have stepped foot in it. “The key is to keep company only with people who uplift you, whose presence calls forth your best.” – Epictetus
Nature – By simply getting outdoors, whether it is biking, running, or even for a simple walk in your neighborhood can enlighten your mood as well. Other forms can be just simply relaxing at the beach to watch the tide come or at a park. It will take your focus off any negativity that you may have on your mind, and allow you to clear it.
What I have given you was four simple ways that do not involve chemical substances that will enlighten your mood to counter depression. These are simple things that you can keep in your life not just when you are feeling down, but also on days that you good as well, so that you will be able to take on depression, once it creeps up in the form of things that we encounter as human beings. I end this with, who or what your surround yourself with has the most impact of your thoughts.
Great advice. I find all of these things very helpful.
Thank you for dropping in, Maggie : )
I like to watch animals and play with pets. I love one of the most amiable animals on the Planet – capybara. And this animal is vegan!!!
I can see that being therapeutic, too. We have many dog playgrounds here, as well as dog beaches. Nothing like seeing dogs playing on the beach : ) It reminds me of children playing at recess.
I Googled the Capybara. Cute pictures! I love how other animals interact with it. And the babies are too cute!
Dog beaches is something new to me. Maybe because I live at the place without sea or ocean. We have lakes and rivers. I have to travel to see the sea!!!! Last time I was in April.
It is so exciting to see. Next time I’m near the beach I will make a video of it to share. I would like to share video logs in the near future
Great! I will be one of the first to watch it!
A very useful article! The last comedy I watched was “BMX Bandits” shot in 1983 about young cyclists. I love music at the beginning of the film when they cycled down the beach road. Watching only the start of this movie is a good therapy! Good in the morning!!!
My depression disappears before travelling, no gloom during my trip, but regrettably can appear again because of everyday routine.
The music of “2 Unlimited” always sets me in a classy mood, such songs as The Power Age, Mysterious and others.
I also like to watch Carpool Karaoke with James Corden. He is so funny when he sings he sings! And these informal vibes in the car! I watch him and his guests on YouTube.
I will have to look BMX Bandits up. I love carpool, too. I also love doing my own car singing similar to carpool. Music is a heavy tone setter for the start of my days. I have noticed a difference in how I take things if I do not start my day with it versus starting my day without it. Luckily there is YouTube, so I have my favorite hits within the palm of my hand : )
Confrontations normally set my emotions off, so I tend to be a loner to avoid that expectation of others. For the most part I let people contact me if they want to hear from me versus me contacting them when there is the possibility of them being in a bad mood.
I try not to bother friends when I am in bad mood. Maybe they think that I am a joyful person. But I am not only joyful. I am different. Bad mood is like heavy clouds in the sky, isn’t it? Even nature has something like low spirits.
Yes, indeed it is like a dark cloud. I try not to go out where many people are when I’m feeling low because it is always taken the wrong way. I simply just avoid phone calls if I’m feeling low, but I always explain it later in the evening.
Just to warn you about BMX Bandits: there is a scene in the cemetery, it is funny but I try to avoid such episodes. On the whole this film is a total fun! 😉
Looks like an overall fun movie. I will be looking for it tomorrow at our library.
My methods of getting of my depression is to watch classic comedies, play Beatles music like their early hit recording and read some spiritual magazines.
Cool! Great choices, and we all have our preferences, but it’s just sad that some forget them when battling with depression
Thank you Thomas for the kind comments. The irony is that when I was younger I was not a fan of Big Band or Salsa music but now I like a happy tune.
It may sound classic ways. But they are effective for those people who are in a state of depression.
Yes, and those that need an extra boost
It is good reminders for all of us. c”,)
Very good Thomas, excellent proposal to combat depression, you say it very well ‘light up your mood’. I congratulate you on your achievements.
Thank you, Arelis : ) ; I hope you are having a great weekend
You’ve shared a fun and good way to get out of a mental problem, Thomas.
All four are favorites that I use 24/7 : )
You have a strong mental awareness to survive and succeed, my friend!
Yes, indeed. And I hope to share it with others to keep them away from toxic substances.
That’s a great spirit, Thomas!
Excellent written text. Thank you
Thank you Robin. I plan to make many more of these targeting each option in a fuller explanation.