Are you feeling sad in the morning and don’t want to get out of bed? Do you wish you
could feel happy again, and not have this dark cloud over your head?
People suffering from depression have negative thoughts about themselves, their world, and their future. These negative thoughts keep swirling around in their minds, and life loses its enjoyment. To get your life back on track again, these five principles of G. R. E. A. T. may be helpful.
Gratitude.
Start your day off with Gratitude. When you wake up in the morning, stay a few extra
minutes in bed and think of all the things that you are grateful for. For example, a roof
over my head, food in the refrigerator, family, friends, and if you are working, that you
have a job. Even if you don’t have everything in life you need, be thankful for the things
you do have. Then when you get out of bed, you will start your day in a more positive
mood.
Relax.
Some people are too busy and don’t take time to relax and enjoy life. Or maybe you
have time, but don’t enjoy things any longer. Set aside some time every day to relax
and clear your mind.
Try making a list of pleasurable activities and do one per week for a month. Put your
activities on your calendar so you will follow through on your pleasurable activities. It
can be a walk in the park, visiting a friend you haven’t seen in a while, reading a book
that you have been wanting to read, or anything you would find relaxing.
Exercise.
Exercising gets the blood flowing in your body and mind and will increase a positive
mood. Exercising will help reduce weight or maintain a healthy weight. Walking, jogging,
going to the gym, or exercising at home are all beneficial to our health. Exercising is
good for our skin, and can help with brain health and memory. Regular exercise can
help prevent strokes, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes. There are many
benefits of regular exercise, including helping reduce depressive symptoms.
Assist Others.
When we help others, it gets our minds off of our problems and focuses on others and
what is going on in their lives. Helping others gives us a sense of purpose and
satisfaction in life. Doing things for others also gives us a sense of relating to others,
and we don’t feel so alone in the world. Volunteering in hospitals, feeding the poor, or
similar means of assisting benefits others, and gives the added side effect of improving our own emotional well-being.
Talking it Out.
When we bottle our problems up, it doesn’t help us and can actually affect our physical health. Talking with others helps us share the burdens with those who care about us, and they may also help give us a different perspective of our problems. Sometimes just knowing that someone takes the time to listen makes you feel better.
If you feel that you need more help, consider using services from a local mental health counselor in your area. They are trained professionals that can help in recovery.