3 Ways to Regain Happiness

2024 Author: Samantha Chapman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 09:13

Sometimes life confronts us with obstacles. If you are feeling downcast due to long-lasting clinical depression, loss, or breakup, you can learn to deal with your feelings in order to regain some happiness. Learn to help yourself to trigger the process that will lead you to a more peaceful life.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Coping with a Long Term Depression

Step 1. Name what you feel

Recognize that your feelings are caused by clinical depression. If you want to feel better, you need to be able to take this important step. Often those who suffer from depression become convinced that their negative feelings are normal, but this is not the case, and it is therefore important to identify them in order to be able to deal with them effectively.

Write your emotions regularly. Doing so will help you mentally separate yourself from the disease and allow you to analyze and track your feelings. By contacting a doctor you will also be able to provide him with valuable material to work on to help you

Step 2. Talk to your doctor about taking medications

Many times the cause of depression lies in a chemical imbalance in the brain, which is effectively treatable through the use of medicines. Even if you suspect your feelings are from some other cause, still describe your symptoms to your doctor. Surely he will be able to provide you with useful advice that will help you regain peace of mind.

Describe what you feel. Specify the severity and intensity of your feelings. When talking to your doctor it is important that you are completely honest

Step 3. Whenever the situation seems out of control, lean on someone

Depression is dangerous. It can make you feel isolated, useless and empty. In times of trouble, no matter how serious you think your illness is, still contact a trusted person.

• If you are having suicidal thoughts, seek immediate help by calling an emergency number or speaking to a trusted person:

  • Call the Friendly Phone at 199.284.284
  • There are many telephone services for the prevention of suicide, for example that provided by the Roman hospital Sant'Andrea (06 33777740).
  • You can also call the emergency number 118.

  

  Step 4. Make a to-do list each day

  Depression can make you believe your days are pointless and put a spanner in the works when it comes time to get out of bed or be productive. Sometimes it can make the world seem like an oppressive place to you. To be able to stay motivated and focused it is therefore important to give yourself clear and simple goals.

  • List a good number of activities each day that you can do to keep yourself active and productive. Don't be afraid to add the little things too, like "Brush your teeth" or "Go pick up your kids" or "Have a snack" or "Avoid smoking". Stay focused on your small daily tasks.
  • Every evening, if you think it is effective, write down every milestone you have achieved. Such a list will help you recognize your merits and focus on your successes.

  

  Step 5. Try to get at least 30 minutes of daily exercise

  Your mood is affected by several factors, but a body that doesn't get what it needs causes an equal deficiency in the brain as well. Movement has been shown to directly affect our mood and our happiness in general, through the release of endorphins capable of defeating stress and making us feel happier.

  • Getting some exercise doesn't mean you have to turn into a sportsman or athlete. Find something you enjoy doing. For example, start with some jogging or hiking in the mountains or try squash. Find an activity that will make you feel good.
  • Get your body eight hours of sleep every day, and get up and go to sleep at the same time every time. Adequate rest affects your mood and allows you to face the whole day with the right level of energy.

  

  Step 6. Change your diet

  What you eat affects your mood directly. Eating more complex carbohydrates and cutting down on refined sugars and processed foods will help you feel better. Base your diet on fresh, whole and seasonal foods, eat lots of fruits and vegetables, and eliminate any ready-made food purchased.

  • Enrich your diet with omega 3 fatty acids found in flax seeds, fish, nuts and tofu, for example. Omega 3s promote brain function and regulate mood.
  • Keep your body hydrated by drinking two liters of water a day. Many symptoms, including fatigue and headaches as well as mood disturbances, are frequently attributable to mild dehydration.

  

  Step 7. Get out in the sun

  Research has shown that there is an important connection between vitamin D levels and our overall happiness. The sun is a vital element for every individual, but especially for those suffering from depression. In fact, there are many who during the winter months experience a seasonal depression, due to the lack of light and the shortness of the days. A good dose of natural light will do wonders for your mood.

  If you live in a place where sunlight is poor, consider purchasing a light therapy lamp. In case you find it too expensive, light up your home using natural light bulbs instead of fluorescent ones

  Method 2 of 3: Overcoming a Breakup

  

  Step 1. Give yourself time to recover

  Parting with your loved one can be very hard. Although this is a short-lived relationship, sometimes it is not easy to take back the reins of one's life. If you suddenly feel alone in the world, recall the past times when you were single and remember what you did and how you felt to be able to live in the present with greater confidence.

  • Let the pain escape. Cry while watching a romantic movie while eating a whole pack of ice cream. Allow yourself to be sad and let your emotions out.
  • Don't overdo it though. Don't feel sorry for yourself indefinitely and avoid reacting disproportionately to the separation, a couple of days for each month spent with your loved one will be more than enough.

  

  Step 2. Stop communicating with your ex

  If you wish to overcome the trauma you must stop turning the knife in the sore. Stop talking to the person you separated from, especially if you didn't want that breakup. Avoid any kind of contact for at least two weeks.

  • Delete him from Facebook friends or unfollow him on other social networks. The best advice might be to take a break from all kinds of social networks. Any form of other people's happiness could in fact seem extremely irritating and selfish to you. Don't make your fragile emotional situation worse by becoming addicted to his or her friends' Facebook page.
  • What about the possibility of "staying friends"? It almost never works. Even if you think your case may be an exception, it is still important that you stay away for a while. Before trying to establish a friendship, let at least a few weeks pass.

  

  Step 3. Celebrate conquered freedom

  A separation doesn't just have dark sides. Being alone has a positive side, being free from constraints. If on Saturday you want to wake up at dawn and eat bread and Nutella in your bathrobe while listening to your favorite songs and singing out loud, who can stop you? Nobody!

  • Remember those things that bothered your ex so much? Do them all!
  • Get a new haircut or tattoo. Make a big change in your appearance, particularly if your ex couldn't stand it. You will feel better.
  • Spend a night out with friends and try to have a good time. Live your life intensely, without trying to overdo it. Being separated is certainly not a good excuse to give yourself to alcohol, drugs or tobacco.

  

  Step 4. Make the desired changes

  Sometimes a breakup can be a great opportunity to improve. Think about it and find something you always wanted to do, but couldn't because of the relationship. If your bond was getting in your way in any way, now that you're single, you can become what you want.

  • Get in shape. Start exercising and strive to achieve the look you want. Your new physical condition will allow you to feel better and have more confidence in yourself.
  • If you still live under the same roof that you shared with your partner, consider moving. Those walls could contain ghosts that are hard to ignore.
  • It may be time to make an even bigger change. Why do you do the job you do? Why do you live where you live? What would you like to do differently? What would make you happy? Maybe you dream of moving to the countryside and working in contact with nature.

  

  Step 5. Talk to a loved one about it

  There is usually no solution when it comes to a breakup, but just letting off steam may make you feel better. Talk to a trusted friend and openly share your feelings and emotions. Even if you are usually a very private person, make an effort, opening your heart will allow you to begin the necessary healing process.

  

  Step 6. Spend some time with friends

  Right now you need to surround yourself with people. Go for a night out or invite friends over to your place if you prefer a quieter night out. You can talk about this and that and enjoy each other's company, or devote yourself to your favorite activities by watching, for example, a live sporting event or on TV.

  Sometimes your only wish may be to be alone. There's nothing bad. If you really don't feel like being surrounded by carefree people, just stay home alone. But think carefully about your choices, be honest with yourself, and make sure your behavior isn't counterproductive

  

  Step 7. Keep busy

  The more things you have to do, the less time you'll have to mull over your ex. To avoid slipping into sadness, find something that keeps you busy as much as possible and distracts you from recurring thoughts.

  • Throw yourself into work. Ask to be allowed to work overtime, be assigned new projects, or have more responsibilities. What way of overcoming a breakup is more productive than earning more and gaining a career?
  • Take up a new hobby. Sometimes a breakup can be the perfect time to write the novel you've been thinking about for some time, start playing bass, or get a scuba certification.

  

  Step 8. When you feel ready, start dating someone again

  You might initially think of it as bizarre and complicated, but over time you will end up meeting a new person to love. Even when things don't go your way, don't give up on having fun and giving it a try. The world is full of people who would be happy to meet you.

  • Try not to compare your current partner to your previous one. During the first few meetings it may not be easy. If you find that you are not ready to appreciate a new person for who they really are, stop trying and postpone the attempt into the future.
  • To test the waters and find out if you're ready to start over, try online dating. While it may initially seem like a bizarre way to get to know someone, it will allow you to understand if you feel comfortable opening up to a new person. If successful, you can proceed with greater confidence.

  Method 3 of 3: Overcoming a Grief

  

  Step 1. Don't worry about doing it the "right" way

  There is no exact way to process a bereavement. Many feel that they must have particular emotions and try to do so when they realize that this is not the case. As a result, they may feel guilty, further worsening their emotional condition. If you're not sure how you should react, try your best not to worry about it. Do what feels natural to you.

  Death is part of life. It's not funny, but it doesn't have to be as bad as some people believe. If possible, find a way to laugh at it by looking for the humorous side of a sad situation

  

  Step 2. Surround yourself with people who care about you

  Having people around can help you lift your mood, even if you don't do anything in particular. Open up to them by talking about the emotions you are feeling or describing what is on your mind.

  • Remember the missing person together. Tell old times and share stories from the past. Look at the old photos and let yourself go to the memories.
  • Sometimes it is best not to talk too long about the missing person or animal. It may initially allow you to feel better, but in the long run it can make you feel even more depressed. Try to distract yourself by talking about news, sports, events, or anything else.

  

  Step 3. Find your way to mourn the missing person

  You may want to be alone with yourself for some time. Being around people, letting go of memories and processing emotions is very useful, but it requires different times and forms for each of us. Give yourself the chance to mourn the loss of your loved one in your own way.

  Think about the relationship you had with the missing person. What have you shared? How can you commemorate your relationship? What could you do to make yourself feel better?

  

  Step 4. Find comfort in doing something you love

  Let your favorite activities help you feel better. Devote yourself to your main interests and do what you can to keep yourself active and productive.

  • If you love sports, train several times a week. Relieve sadness through sweat.
  • If you are passionate about fashion and beauty, start writing your own blog and express your creativity by exploring new ways to live your passion.
  • If you love playing a musical instrument, learn to play a new song or learn a new technique you've always wanted to practice.
  • If you love to study, increase your level of preparation by getting back on your books or taking courses. Visit the local library.

  

  Step 5. Leave the house frequently

  Simply surrounding yourself with people will help you feel better. Go to a public place whenever you can. Instead of making your own coffee, go and drink it in a crowded coffee shop. Instead of buying the newspaper, go read it in the library. Don't watch TV at home alone, choose to go to the movies.