Fighting Depression - Focus On The Positive

By Diane M Gove  |   Submitted On October 29, 2014

Don't let depression drag you down. Focus on the positive. Work hard every day to train your brain to use a more positive thought pattern every time a negative event occurs. You will soon be able to calmly face the challenges that life throws your way.

It will take time. With baby steps you can learn to turn you mind to more positive thoughts and actions. Fight those negative thoughts. Don't let them rule you. Show yourself who is boss and find the alternatives.

Instead of road rage, check-out line frustrations, and disgust of appointments running late, try to allow extra time that is often needed for these things. Eliminate the stressors that you can control. Organize yourself at night so there is no frustrating morning rush to get out the door.

If you can be better prepared for some situations, you won't feel so rushed and anxious about them. Plan ahead. If you are stuck in traffic, be prepared with some good music to sing along and enjoy yourself. Relax, take a few deep breaths.

If you are stuck in a check-out line, instead of stressing and deep sighs with your eyes rolling, try to lighten up the situation. Be understanding to the others involved. We have all been in that situation before. The cashier will feel better, and you will leave the store feeling much better. It is a feel-good opportunity. You feel good for making someone else feel good.

Sometimes depressed people have this all-or-nothing way of thinking that keeps them depressed and negative. They may say, "I can't do nothing right" or "Nothing goes my way." If you find yourself saying that sort of thing---STOP. Listen to yourself. Then change it into, "Oh, well-better luck next time" or "I can do better-let me try again." Be nice to yourself, no one else is perfect either.

Probably the best natural anti-depressant is exercise. If you really want to feel good about yourself and be positive, then EXERCISE! Thirty minutes would be great, but even 10 minutes will get yourself feeling better. It will increase your mood and energy. Make sure your exercise is a bit intense. Get your heart beating. Feel ALIVE!!

Swimming, dancing, and biking are good continuous exercises. Listen to music and exercise to the beat. You could also do a fast walk. Pop in the bluetooth and call a perky friend while taking Fido for a vigorous walk. Go walk the mall or main street quickly. Count stores or strollers to pass the time. Don't exhaust and deflate yourself. Boost your mood and physical self-not fall on your face.

Focus on the positive. Do things you enjoy. You may find it very difficult at first to force yourself to get up and go. Before long you will find that these positive baby steps will build your energy level and steer you in the right direction so you CAN climb out of that depressing hole you fell into.

The better you feel, the easier it is to use these suggestions. Try a few each day. Find opportunities to be happier. Remember that when one door closes another one opens, so don't let disappointment rule your life.

Focus on the positive.

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