by Conny Manero

Created on: December 04, 2009   Last Updated: December 06, 2009

We all feel depressed from time to time. We have our good days and we have are blue days.

While depression can occur as a result of a tragic experience, a blue day can hit for no reason at all.

To combat those days you can do a number of things to chase the blues away.

- Moping around the house in sweatpants and a dirty T-shirt will not lift your spirits. Clean yourself up. Have a shower and put on fresh clothes. Chances are if you look good, you will start feeling better.

- Have something to eat. Whether it's cereal or toast in the morning; a light lunch; or something heartier for dinner, give your body some food. Lack of nutrients may just be the cause of your lack of energy.

- Go out for a walk. Fresh air is great to chase the cobwebs away. Look around you and notice the beauty of nature. Every season has its charm. If you live in the city, enjoy this hustle and bustle. The city is buzzing with activity, waiting for you to join in.

- Pop into a coffee shop. A cup of coffee is also known as 'a cup of comfort' and doesn't cost a fortune. While sipping your hot brew, enjoy its warmth and aroma and observe the people around you. People watching can be great fun. If your diet allows you to do so, munch on a piece a cake. Who can stay depressed over a piece of cheesecake?

- If you're in a financial position to do so, go shopping. Nothing chases the blues away quite like spoiling yourself a little bit. Pick up a new shirt, a new pair of shoes, or indulge in something you've always wanted.

- Go to the gym. Physical exercise is one of the best ways to start feeling better.

- Clean something, anything. You may not particularly feel like it, but washing the windows or straightening out the linen closet is therapeutic. It gives you a chance to think on your feet and while you're at it, you might just see things clearer or create order in your thoughts.

- Put on some music. You cannot stay blue while listening to an upbeat tune. If your feet start to move and your body starts to sway, give in to it, dance. Who cares that you're not exactly Gene Kelly or Margot Fonteyn, you're not auditioning for the next Broadway show, you're just having fun.

- In case no physical activity appeals to you and you just want to be left alone, that's okay. Watch your favorite movie or curl up with a good book. Put the world on hold for a day, it won't spin off its axis without you.

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