by Sunshine Ross

Created on: October 04, 2007

Good things to do when you need an emotional lift.

Try these suggestions in no particular order. Go firstly with the one that appeals with you most. Do remember to keep an open mind. It is crucial to motivate yourself. When we are down and depressed, it is most difficult to find interest in anything. You have to break the cycle of the doldrums and take that first step to coach and motivate yourself.

1. Get a wild new haircut. Drastically change your hairstyle or hair colour to give you that extra pep. Ofcourse with the new image come the clothes. So carve out a budget and go shopping for a new wardrobe. Try not to stick to your security blanket basics and really push your comfort zone. It's not fake or superficial unless you are being fake and superficial. If you are presenting an image that shows you care for yourself and others, that is a wonderful thing.

2. Throw out the drama! Metaphorically and literally. Stock up your DVD library with comedy movies, shows, cartoons, stand up etc. This is a great way to put a new, broader perspective on things. Think of your life as a script for a movie. You are the director. The director receives the script and chooses what kind of treatment to give the movie. He can create a drama, suspense or comedy.

3. Try these yoga poses : shoulderstand, head stand, downward dog, handstand basically, any inverted pose. These poses stimulate the pineal gland that controls serotonin levels. Blood circulation increased in this downward direction gives the brain fresh oxygen and energizes you. If you can't do these exercises assisted, you can even just lie down on your bed and prop your legs up. Stay here for 5-10 minutes and slowly come up.

4. Eat. But eat healthy. Junk food actually contributes to depression because of the sharp increase in sugar levels followed by sudden drops. Plus, you feel very sluggish because your body in not nourished right. Do skip anything containing high fructose corn syrup (that's half the things we consume on a daily basis right there), dextrose and maltodextrin. Opt for slow release sugars found in natural whole grains and fruits. Eat regular meals and do not skip breakfast.

Try these foods that contain tryptophan which the brain turns into melatonin and serotonin within a few days : bananas, yoghurt, salmon, tuna, turkey, whole grains and gruyere cheese.

5. Laugh out loud. Like really loud and for at least one full minute. No matter what it is you need an emotional lift from, no excuses, just laugh. We have

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