by Tricia L

Created on: May 20, 2010

If you're feeling down here are some tips to help you pick yourself up. 

Exercise -  When you feel glum, exercise is usually the last thing you feel like doing, but it will have an instant effect on your mood, even if you just get up and go a for a short walk around the block. Exercise is a natural way of producing serotonin in our brains, this is an endorphin which makes us feel good. One of the first things a doctor or therapist will tell you if you're feeling down, is to get some regular exercise. Studies have shown that exercise is more effective than drugs in treating mild to moderate depression and there are no negative side effects. So; head for the gym, get that bike out of the shed or dig out your swimming costume, whatever you choose you'll almost certainly feel better afterwards.  

Music - Music can have a significant effect on mood. It's hard to feel miserable if you're singing along to a happy song. Choose your favourite uplifting music, whether it's classical or thrash metal doesn't matter, as long as you like it. If the room you're in is untidy it can be very therapeutic to dance around with a brush or hoover in hand, thus getting rid of cobwebs and the blues at the same time.  

Creative Expression - Everyone has some sort of creative bent. It could be writing, painting, strumming guitar or a bit of gardening or cookery. Getting involved and losing yourself in creating something is a great way to forget about your problems. If you don't have any hobbies, think about taking a course in something that interests you, you could make new friends at the same time. Drama classes are a great way to improve self confidence and get involved in something creative. Taking up something with a tangible end product such as pottery for example, is very satisfying and can give your self esteem a boost.

Communicate - If you have a problem then the best thing to do is get it off your chest. Having a good chat makes you feel lighter, so talk to a friend or relative or ring a helpline. If you can't think of anyone, you could try a suitable online forum or chat room. Writing about problems can help some people, so if it's a person you have a problem with write them a letter, you don't have to send it, it can just help to get things straight in your head and act as a vent for pent up emotion. Maybe prayer works for you; hand over your problems for a higher power to work on. Some people also find writing a diary is good for their mental

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