Improve Your Attitude and Defeat Depression

It is easy to become depressed when times are bad: layoffs, swine flu (H1N1), terrorism - it is sometimes hard to be optimistic when the news around us is so bad. However, there are things you can do to keep your attitude positive and fight depression. Here are seven ways you can defeat depression by boosting your spirits.

Make Good Choices and Celebrate Your Victories

Make good choices about what you eat, how much you spend, what you say, how you do your job and other life choices, and then celebrate your victories when you make the right choices. It is OK to pat yourself on the back, even for small victories. You may not be able to do much about yesterday's choices, but making good choices today can boost your self-esteem and help you fight depression.

Volunteer and Raise Your Spirits

Numerous studies have shown the remarkable benefits volunteering has on your self esteem, your mental health and your physical health. ⁽¹⁾ Volunteer at a school, church, ministry, or other charitable organization, and you will feel better about life in general. Donating money to a worthy cause can also raise your spirits. You don't have to donate much; the simple act of giving results in a better state of mind.

Exercise and Boost Your Morale

Physical exercise releases endorphins which raise your spirits and boost your morale. ⁽²⁾ Get into some good, moderate exercise habits which you can easily and regularly maintain, such as walking, biking or jogging in your neighborhood or local park.

Surround Yourself with Positive People and Improve Your Attitude

Positive people can help raise your spirits and improve your attitude. Spend time with your most positive friends. If you don't have any, get involved with a good local church, or join a civic organization like Civitan, Rotary, or Kiwanis Clubs. Positive people doing good things will help your own mental wellness.

Read Good Books and Fill Your Brain with Good Thoughts

Reading good literature and positive self-help books can change the way you view life. The old computer adage is "garbage in, garbage out" or as the Bible puts it, "as a man thinks, so is he" (Proverbs 23:7). Read books that inspire and encourage you, not books that make you dissatisfied with your life or that feed your depression and paranoia.

Meditate and Pray and Deepen Your Spiritual Resources

There have also been many studies that indicate people who pray and/or meditate are more relaxed, happier people. The neurological benefits of meditation and prayer are well documented and people who pray and/or meditate frequently are less likely to suffer from depression and anxiety. ⁽³⁾

Get Counseling and Overcome Depression

Sometimes it is helpful to get an objective, knowledgeable professional involved who can listen to your concerns and offer feedback. Counseling doesn't just mean seeing a psychiatrist as there are many forms of counseling available from Christian counseling, pastoral counseling, grief counseling, psychology and even online counseling.

In some cases a person might need other forms of help to overcome clinical depression including medication which only a professional can recommend. However, in most cases of depression, changing your attitude and creating a healthier lifestyle can boost your spirits and defeat depression.

Sources

1. http://www.news.cornell.edu/releases/May98/Moen.volunteer.ssl.html
2. http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/bb/neuro/neuro05/web2/mmcgovern.html
3. http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/mar/01/meditation-prayer-alter-brain-says-researcher/?partner=RSS