We’re not always aware of it, but there are certain behaviors that cause us to feel increasingly sad on a daily basis. So what are these behaviors and how can we avoid them? Here’s how to stop feeling sad and start smiling again.

1 – No more couch surfing

To stop feeling sad, it’s essential to stop spending hours on the couch, watching TV or on social networks.

What’s the point?

Because, while it’s good to sit down and watch a good movie or look at social networks from time to time, when we spend too much time on them, it makes us sad.

Firstly, because without realizing it, we compare ourselves to what we see on our screens. And, in general, comparison makes us sad. Because everything on our screens is designed to make us “dream”. That said, dreams often turn into nightmares.

What’s more, all that time we spend in front of our screens is time we’re not using to do things that make us really happy, to find solutions to the problems of the moment and to realize our dreams.

That’s why, after too much time in front of our screens, we often feel sad. Because subconsciously, we know: we’ve wasted far too much time.

In other words, stop sitting on the sofa!

Do stuff, do anything, as long as it makes you really happy.

If you don’t know, get off the couch and look for something you like. Start with something and see what happens.

2 – Stop having too many expectations to stop being sad

Too often, we’re sad because we’re disappointed. Disappointed with others, with life, but also with ourselves.

In fact, we don’t realize just how high our expectations are.

We expect perfection from others, from life and from ourselves!

That’s why, when something goes wrong, we feel very sad. Sometimes, we even experience certain things as betrayals. When, in fact, it’s often just a matter of clumsiness and misunderstanding.

That’s why, to stop feeling sad, learn to relax.

Stop having too many expectations, stop being disappointed when something doesn’t suit you.

Just relax!

Because life doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful. In other words, learn to accept what comes, as it comes and when it comes.

Let go of everything else.

3 – Stop overthinking

We’ve learned to think. We’ve learned to analyze things from every angle and not to trust our little inner voice.

And what we don’t realize is that we’re torturing ourselves over things that often aren’t worth the effort.

That’s why, to stop being sad, I wholeheartedly invite you to stop overthinking and listen to your heart instead.

What’s your inner voice telling you? Is it yes or is it no?

Stop thinking about the pros and cons. Stop thinking about what other people will think, how they’ll react.

What do you think? What do you really want to do?

In fact, to stop being sad, it’s high time you learned to make decisions, to act, to move forward rather than overthinking and doing nothing at all.

4 – Stop staying in your comfort zone to stop being sad

Routine is part of life. Routine is comfortable, often pleasant, but it puts you to sleep.

And that’s what makes us sadder every day.

After all, we have a heart, and it needs joy to feel good. And joy is found in novelty.

So, I’m not saying we have to move or change everything.

In fact, new things can be very simple, even easy. It’s just that you have to allow yourself to do it, and then think about it.

So, to stop being sad, I wholeheartedly invite you to get out of your comfort zone and do new things.

To do this, open yourself up to other things, like other styles of film, food, books, places too.

Indeed, if you always take the same route to work, why not change it from time to time?

Because you need to see new things if you don’t want to fall into sadness.

5 – Stop dreaming

We haven’t learned to dream, because to dream is to make waves, to dare to want more, to want differently too. Inevitably, this upsets those around us.

What’s more, dreaming also means taking the risk of disappointment: what if it doesn’t work out?

But that’s not true!

In fact, to dream is to allow yourself to be yourself and live for yourself. It’s vital!

What’s more, to dream is to give yourself permission to constantly learn, grow and evolve. That’s our mission on Earth.

So stop stopping yourself from dreaming. Instead, dream big, dream big.

Dare to set new goals. All the time.

Dare to learn, dare to make the effort and take the time to go after things you really enjoy.

Because to stop being sad is to stop conforming and adapting to a life that doesn’t really suit us. On the contrary, it’s about building the life we want, step by step!

Find out more:

I invite you to read these 2 complementary articles:

Discover Quotes to express sadness when you don’t have the words
Discover How to free yourself from sadness: 3 steps to follow

I recommend this inspiring book:

Feeling Good: The New Therapy by David D. Burns

The author presents cognitive therapy techniques for overcoming sadness and improving mental well-being. The book provides tools and practical exercises for challenging negative thought patterns, offering a roadmap for those seeking to break free from the grip of sadness. With its evidence-based approach, it provides a comprehensive guide to transforming one’s state of mind and fostering a more positive, fulfilling life.

A wealth of information. Lots of practical advice. Packed with simple tools and exercises.
This really is one of the best cognitive aids for depression I’ve ever read, so useful and hopeful!
I’ve already bought two extra copies to offer to friends.

Thank you very much for reading this article.

If you liked it, let me know in the comments.

Take care of yourself