How to Get Happy when You're Sad

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Everyone can feel a bit down and sad sometimes, and it totally stinks. Here are some ways to cheer up.
Remember that sadness will eventually go away if you think positively.

Steps

1. Call up a friend to talk about it (or to get your mind off it).
   
2. Watch a funny movie, preferably one that you've already seen and liked.
   
3. Exercise! Go for a walk, a jog, or a bike ride. Doing this will make your body release endorphins and adrenaline through your body which will make you feel better physically and emotionally.
   
4. Be spontaneous. Sometimes a consistent and boring routine can make you feel bad. Do something out of the blue, but don't make any rash decisions.
   
5. Paint a picture. Express your feelings with color and shapes.
   
6. Think about good memories. If you've lived through them once, than you can definitely have them again. Just because things may seem bad right now doesn't mean that tomorrow they will be.
   
7. Take a shower. You will feel happier and refreshed.
   
8. Get out of the house! The fresh air will make you feel better. Go somewhere with a friend, a family member, or even by yourself. See a movie, shop, go on a picnic, etc. Staying inside is like trapping yourself inside your depression.
   
9. Listen to music. Don't listen to sad music–try listening to energetic tunes or a song that inspires you or reminds you of good times.
   
10. Have a good cry. Sometimes the sadness stays inside your head if you try to force yourself to be happy. Try to let the tears out at the most appropriate time, mainly the best time when you are alone. Do this, and you might feel more relieved of your sad feelings, as if it "got off your chest".
    
11. Put your feelings into perspective. Is what you're upset about really as important as you think? Did it seem to heavily affect more on yourself than those around you? If you sulk about little problems, like not receiving a perfect grade or spilled milk, then you're going to feel sad a lot more easily. Not all of your problems require you to use your head, especially not ones that are very serious like the loss of a loved one. If you use reason to cheer yourself up, chances are you'll feel a lot less stressed.
    
12. Eat something that you love and let your feeling go into the food/drink and don't eat/drink the last bite/sip where your sadness will end.
    

Tips

• Writing in a journal can help you figure out your feelings.
  
• Book an appointment with a therapist–especially if you are constantly feeling depressed.
  
• Smile. Even if you don't mean it, you'll feel better.
  
• Practice pranayam.
  

Warnings

• Sometimes people eat when they're sad or stressed out, but this is not the best idea. Sure, it might make you feel good, but eating won't cure you, you'll just feel bloated and put yourself in a tougher situation. However, some people find eating difficult when they are particularly upset or sad. This is just as detrimental to well being as overeating. The brain cannot function properly without the carbohydrates, proteins, fats and other nutrients it needs. This can lead to irrational decisions, decrease in energy and listlessness.
  
• Do not isolate yourself. This is especially important if you are depressed very often. You might just want people to leave you alone, but don't make yourself be with no one else around. Don't push your friends away and try to regularly participate in social activities that you enjoy or don't mind doing.
  
• Don't start doing irresponsible and irrational things. It won't make you truly happy and will only end up giving you more problems. If you don't normally drink/do drugs/smoke, then don't get anywhere near it when you're sad; you won't think clearly and regret it later. Don't do any self-injury either, it will just cause more pain and trouble.
  

Related wikiHows

• How to Develop Prosperity Consciousness
  
• How to Be Peppy and Bubbly
  
• How to Feel Free
  
• How to Wake up Happy Every Morning
  
• How to Make Someone Happy
  

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