On a regular basis, we suffer from temporary depression. As the name suggests, it comes and goes, but each time it’s just as painful. What’s more, over time, it destroys our zest for life. What’s the point of smiling again, only to lose it later? So here are 5 things you can do to free yourself from depression and put a smile back on your face for good!

1 – Do something and do it fast!

Temporary depression is a sign that our vital energy and zest for life have dissipated. So we’re left with a feeling of extreme tiredness, boredom and sadness. How did we get here? Often, it means we’ve stopped doing things. Things that nourish us, make us smile and keep us interested.

That’s why the first thing to do when you’re suffering from temporary depression is to roll up your sleeves and do something! Anything at all. It could be gardening, cooking, learning a language or any other skill, as long as it interests us in some way. We’ll call it the anti-depression activity. If you’re not too sure about choosing this activity, don’t worry. Just try it out!

So, it’s not just a question of doing 15 minutes here and there. No, because I’ve noticed that we need to shake up our temporary depression to get it to go away.

So we’re in for a real commando program. And to do that, I invite you to set aside at least 1 hour every day to do your chosen anti-depression activity. Yes, 1 hour.

Because the best anti-depression remedy is to be passionate about something. So get passionate!

2 – Surround yourself well to get out of a temporary depression

It’s possible that temporary depression has set its sights on you, because there are too many negative conversations and interactions going on around you. So maybe it’s time for you to see a little less negative people, talk a little less about negative things, but also listen to and watch a little less negative information.

In other words, surround yourself with more positivity, in your social circle, but also in what you choose to watch and listen to at home or in your car. Listen to more positive programs, take part in more positive conversations.

If you’re having trouble moving towards more positivity, then give yourself permission to take a break for a few days. Turn everything off! You’ll see, it’ll do you a world of good! Because I’ve noticed that we accumulate far too much negative information without even realizing it, and that, over time, this destroys our morale. So taking a break is a must!

3 – Go outside, get some fresh air

People who say they don’t like walking have never walked. So, if you’re one of those people, it’s time to start. Especially if you’re suffering from a temporary depression. Because walking has powerful benefits.

In fact, I’ve noticed that a body engaged in gentle physical activity is a happy body. And I’ve also noticed that a brain in a happy body is a happier brain. Because the brain doesn’t dwell so much on negative thoughts, it becomes more positive, more optimistic and even more creative. In other words, joie de vivre can flourish once again.

And that’s why I walk for over an hour every day! But, to start with, I’d advise you to walk for 20 minutes every day. A fairly brisk walk, so wear comfortable shoes and clothes. If possible, go somewhere where you can admire a bit of nature.

4 – Start tidying, sorting and cleaning the house to get out of a temporary depression

A temporary depression can be explained by neglect. In other words, perhaps we haven’t really made an effort to take care of ourselves for some time now. But taking care of ourselves also means taking care of our inner self.

Indeed, if the laundry basket is overflowing, if the drawers are a mess, if the dust is a nightmare, then it’s not surprising that the blues come to visit. Because we think that clutter is no big deal, but over time, that clutter gets bigger and bigger, and little by little it affects our mental well-being.

So take a look around you and ask yourself whether a particular room could do with a good tidy-up and clean-up. Personally, to motivate myself, I imagine that maniacs come to sleep at home and I ask myself what they would see that I don’t necessarily see. And it works really well.

It may seem anecdotal, but I’ve noticed that when I take special care of my house, it does me a world of good. I sparkle with joie de vivre. That’s also because we get busy. And when you’re active, you think less about negative things and your body secretes hormones of happiness and well-being. So, what are you waiting for?

5 – Slow down and invent new rituals to say goodbye to temporary depression

It’s not always easy to get depressed, because we’re living our lives so fast that we don’t take advantage of the little moments of joy and sweetness in everyday life.

That’s why, when you’re feeling down, it’s time to slow down! To really, truly slow down. That means taking the time to drink your coffee/tea in the morning, to take your shower, concentrating a little more on the running water, on the scent of the soap, for example.

In fact, when you’re feeling a little down, you’re probably telling yourself to pay a little more attention to your life, to all those little moments in your daily life that soothe you and put a smile on your face.

Because I’ve learned that depression is never a punishment, it’s a reminder. A painful, uncomfortable reminder, but a precious one. It invites us to live more consciously, to savour the joyful moments of everyday life.

So have fun inventing new rituals. To start with, write down 3 rituals you’d like to enjoy every day: morning coffee and shower, and the evening movie, for example. What do you think? Will you do it?

Find out more:

I invite you to read these 2 complementary articles:

Discover Stop the blues: 100 good reasons to smile again
Discover How to get back on track after a bout of the blues: 7 things to do

I recommend this inspiring book:

Lost Connections: Uncovering the Real Causes of Depression – and the Unexpected Solutions by Johann Hari

In this illuminating book, Johann Hari explores the complex web of societal and environmental factors that contribute to temporary depression. By uncovering the often overlooked links between individuals and their environment, the book offers a glimpse of unexpected solutions, highlighting the importance of tackling root causes to better understand and recover from episodes of temporary depression.

At last, a new and apparently very reasonable concept on depression. The author explains his theories, tests and research well. Concise and enjoyable to read.

Thank you very much for reading this article.

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

Take care of yourself