Five Easy Ways to Lift Your Mood

Jerry Kennard is a psychologist Interested Chartered Psychologist Dr. Jerry Kennard is a psychologist, freelance writer & consultant.... Send Message Subscribe: Jerry Kennard

Tuesday, November 04, 2008
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Our state of mind is not simply the bi-product of our genes or the circumstances we find ourselves in. Put another way, we have a lot of control over the way we feel. Professor of psychology Sonja Lyubomirsky Ph.D., of the University of California, suggests that half our happiness is governed by gene...

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Thank you!
Merely Me
Tuesday, November 04, 2008 at 07:55 PM

This is an excellent list. And most of these are easy to utilize. I will give it a try.

5 ways to elevate your mood
Kathy Hanzek
Thursday, November 06, 2008 at 09:46 AM

HI Kathyh here in Englewood, FL. One more tip, in the realm of being thankful, try and keep a daily Gratitude journal. It can range of many different topics, from family, food, your home, job or none, and many other blessings. I'm doing my utlmost to keep a positive mental attitude as well, tough at times in these challenging economic times. I'm also unemployed, and want to work so much. Blessings, Hugs, Kathyh./ Khluvslife2.

Relationship to Major Depression?
Weeble
Thursday, November 06, 2008 at 10:13 AM

All of this stuff is well and good, and I do some of these things. However, the article falls short as far as how to use this information in dealing with the very real medical/biochemical/clinical battle with major depression, which I contend with and have for a number of years. Specific addressing of how to use this information in that context (and its limitations) would be very helpful.

There are those I would like to pass this article to, but I don't want it thrown back in my face like a lot of other stigma crap I get with a "See! You don't have to be that way!" Pollyanna-just-do-this-and-you'll-be-fine attitude that ignores the deeper struggle I face.

re: Relationship to Major Depression?
WexfordH
Thursday, November 13, 2008 at 10:47 AM
Amazing how much I relate to your comment, Weeble. And Weebles was a nickname given to me years ago, as well. All of the points he listed were easily recognizable for me, but there are some things in life we have no control over. I can't change the way people are, nor would I want to, but I also can't change the way I feel in reaction to negativism. So much makes me sad. And so little makes me happy anymore. I feel like I just exist and waste space sometimes. But I would never consider suicide mostly because its so selfish and cruel to others. Do you know what I mean?

Five Easy Ways to Lift Your Mood
Anonymous
Wednesday, November 12, 2008 at 02:39 PM

Thank you, Jerry, for this easy list of things we can do.

I often find that just being able to gather up the energy to get out of the houes and spend time with people can really help - even for only a few short hours (any port in a storm, eh?). I also find that distracting myself with hobbies or computer games can pull me away from depression. Even when deeply depressed, just the simple act of going to work helps.

I think I'll post your list on the refrigerator because I am certain that I will forget your advice when I need it most.

Take care!

Curt