By Charlene M. Brown
Here are 7 hot tips to keep from being depressed:
7. Read a funny book (I suggest any of Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum numbered novels) or go to see a funny movie or a funny play. Laughter is so important to your well being. Laugh often, laugh hard. Find humor in everyday life (the premise of sitcoms). I challenge you to try this for 3 weeks and see if you feel differently!
6. When you are feeling dumpy, put on your best “go out and party” outfit and do just that! You know, the one that makes you feel like a movie star, that’s the outfit I’m talking about. As women, so often we allow our clothes to define (or at least show outwardly) how we feel. We all have those dumpy looking sweats that so easily match our dumpy looking mood. So change it! This too works. If you are single, go flirt with some handsome guy. If you are partnered, get sexy to show off yourself to your partner, then go out on a romantic date. Whatever your situation, looking dumpy is not going to enhance your mood, so do something different!
5. Turn on some good music, get your favorite bubble bath or smell goods and have a good, long, hot soak in your tub. (Adjust water temperature to your comfort level). Just R-E-L-A-X. Leave your worries at the door (I assure you they will still be there when you emerge, if you choose to pick them back up). Do this for just an hour, or until you feel relaxed. This not only refreshes your body, it refreshes your state of mind. Letting Go is an important part of stress relief and it helps to keep us from spiraling into depression.
4. Get together with some positive people—people who genuinely love life. Maybe it is a friend or family member who just makes you feel good. Go spend time with that person—it might be a few minutes over a cup of tea or coffee. Remember though, that when doing this, things need to be balanced, give them some positivity back, so that they can enjoy it too.
3. Find 3 small things that make you smile and decide to be happy about them. It might be the way the rose petals hug each other, or the way the light hits your dog’s ears. Just find three things that make you smile. Linger on them for a few minutes, picture them in detail in your head (if they are not “in the flesh” in front of you). Notice how different you feel. Do this whenever you can, especially when you are frustrated or angry at something.
2. Smile, smile often! Even when you don’t feel like smiling, force a smile and hold it until you feel happy. I know this sounds silly, but it works just the same.
1. HAVE SEX! Not only does this release feel-good chemicals called endorphins in your brain, but having an orgasm is a natural release of pent-up energy for both women and men. NOTE: I AM NOT SAYING DO SOMETHING HAPHAZARDLY OR DANGEROUSLY, USE YOUR GOOD SENSE WHEN CHOOSING A SEX PARTNER (EVEN IF THAT SEX PARTNER IS YOURSELF!)
The important key to take away is that Happiness is a Choice, but it doesn’t have to be a huge overhaul all at once! Happiness can be achieved, like everything else, one step at a time. Make daily small decisions about happiness. Decide that watching a bee pollinate a flower makes you happy. Decide that the child laughing outside your window makes you happy. Decide that the little things of everyday life are going to make you happy. I challenge to try just one of these things 3 times or more a week for 3 weeks and I dare you not to feel different! (Positive things lead to other Positive things!!)
Do You Love You Life Now!? I Do!!
Happy Days to You!! 
Medical Disclaimer: The entire contents of this website are based upon the opinions of a variety of individuals and sources. The information on this website is not intended to replace the advice of a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice, it is for informational and entertainment purposes only. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional.
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