15 Handy Mental Tricks to Lift Your Mood – Coping with Depression

Depression can have a debilitating impact on our lives, making it difficult to focus on anything positive. However, with the right mental tricks, you can build a more positive mindset and keep the black dog at bay. Here are 15 handy mental tricks to lift your mood when you’re feeling down.

1. Don’t Catastrophize

It’s easy to think about the worst-case scenario and imagine all the things that could possibly go wrong. However, catastrophizing only increases anxiety and makes you feel more helpless. Instead, try to take a realistic look at life and remember that nothing is ever the end of the world.

2. Stop Ruminating

Ruminating over negative thoughts and feelings can make them worse. By getting stuck in thinking about them, you won’t change things. Try to take action instead, to make things better.

3. Get Perspective

If you think your depression has been fueled by a specific event, make sure you’re not blowing things out of proportion. A chat with a caring friend may help you to see your way through the fog.

4. Focus on the Positives

Depression can magnify the bad things in life, making it difficult to find any positivity. Try to look for what’s good in a situation, even if it’s just a lesson or a chance to grow stronger.

5. Don’t Over-Analyze

Picking apart and analyzing every detail of the problem rarely helps. Instead of endlessly going over the problem, start thinking about possible solutions.

6. Be Kind to Yourself

Talking unkindly to yourself, and beating yourself up, won’t help. What you need right now is a friend, not an enemy. Make sure your words and deeds are gentle and encouraging.

7. Don’t Dwell on the Past

Worrying about the past won’t change it. Allow yourself to move on to the present.

8. Don’t Fret About the Future

Worrying about the future is a waste of time, especially as you have no idea how things may turn out. Instead, take positive steps now, so you can handle whatever life throws at you.

9. Avoid Black-and-White Thinking

One mistake doesn’t mean that your whole life is doomed or that you’re no good. Consider a more balanced version of events.

10. Fake It a Bit

Putting on a smile, even if you’re not happy, releases feel-good chemicals in your brain. If a big grin seems a bit much, then try a half-smile instead to lift your mood.

11. Stop Being a Victim

Believing that bad things are happening because of you is not helpful. Remember, you have the power to choose how you react to problems.

12. Get Moving

Physical activity can brighten your mood. Try jogging on the spot, jumping on a trampoline, or taking a walk outside.

13. Don’t Isolate

Shutting yourself away will only make you feel worse. Meeting a friend for a quick coffee or getting fresh air can only help your frame of mind.

14. Reach Out to Others

Helping other people is a wonderful way of taking the focus off yourself and how you are feeling. It feels good to help others, and it’s a great mental trick to lift your mood.

15. Be Grateful

Gratitude can have a powerful impact on your mood. It’s difficult to be depressed when you can write a long list of all the things you love in your life.

In conclusion, depression can make life difficult, but these mental tricks can help lift your mood and build a more positive mindset. Regular practice of these mental tricks can help you keep the black dog at bay and live a happier life.