by Kim Everett

Created on: February 26, 2008

Things to do when you need an emotional lift.

Sometimes, the hardest thing to do when I am feeling down is to make myself get up and do something. But at some point, I must, or else the feelings of sadness and depression will gain a strong hold and become more and more difficult to get rid of. It is OK to let myself wallow in the negative emotions for a day or so. Everyone needs to do this occasionally. The problems start when I allow myself to wallow too long.

Some of the best things that help when I need a lift are:

Prayer. The worst thing I can do when I'm feeling down is to not stay connected with God. These are the times when I need Him more than ever, so it's good for me to double up on my communication with Him through prayer and meditation.

Listen to music. For me, music is like medicine for the soul. There are specific songs that I have found always make me feel better. Many of the classic Beatles' tunes are upbeat and are great to sing along with.

Watch comedies on TV. "I Love Lucy" is my favorite when I need to be cheered up. I can't help but laugh out loud during just about any episode of this classic sitcom. Both of Bob Newhart's classic sitcoms, "Newhart" and "The Bob Newhart" show are also hilarious.

Read. Sometimes it helps me to get completely out of my own life for a while. Reading is a great escape, and I can't think about things that are bothering me when I'm concentrating on a good book. The principle can be applied to watching a movie. I just try to stay away from anything sad.

Make a gratitude list. People get tired of hearing this, but it really does help me put things into perspective when I look at a list of all the things I have to be grateful for.

Go to a playground and swing. The funny flutter that I get in my stomach when I swing really high always makes me giggle. It's just plain fun.

Go for a walk or bike ride. Exercise is proven as a weapon against depression.

Call a friend that makes you laugh. One of my friends has a knack for being able to make me laugh no matter what's happening, so I always call her.

If you have children, listen to them laugh. I can't help but laugh when I hear a child laughing out loud. It's also fun watching them play. They have such a carefree manner that it's hard to feel anything negative when you are watching them have fun.

Do something special for yourself. I love to get a manicure and/or pedicure, get my hair cut or styled or highlighted, or buy some special chocolate and eat it all myself. There are also simple things that I do to treat myself such as taking a bubble bath, putting fresh flowers out, and lighting aromatherapy candles.

Everyone deals with hardships in a different way. I do what works for me, and so must everyone else. The important thing is to do something whatever works and do it before depression has time to get a foothold.

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