Although these tips seem pedestrian and silly, try them the
next time you are depressed or sad or feeling overwhelmed by
life.
Smile
The act of smiling tends to make you feel better. Sometimes,
inappropriate smiles are so ridiculous they make you laugh.
Think of smiling while saying, "Oh dear, you broke your leg,"
and you'll get the impact.
Let Go of Everything Outside of This Moment
Right now you are sitting and looking at a computer screen.
Whatever is going on, before this minute, during this minute
or will happen in the next minute, let it go. Just be here
now and smile.
Reflect
Think of breathing. Think of meals you've eaten. Think of
being on a computer. How many people are now gasping for
breath, starving to death, or will never have a computer.
You're not doing bad, are you?
Recognize
Things could not have turned out any differently than they
did. Regrets are used toilet paper. Flush them. What ifs
and could ifs are pointless philosophical exercises.
Take Pleasure
The smallest thing, a flower, a cup of coffee, music, a pet,
anything around you right now which is "okay". It doesn't
have to be great, it just has to be okay. Okay is good
enough.
Humor
No matter what it is, explain it to yourself in a funny way.
Make a joke out of it. Some of the funniest jokes are the
way someone sees adversity. Think of the worst thing that
could happen, and imagine saying; "Splendid."
Control
You are going to be happy no matter what happens, what anyone
says or does, you are in charge of you, and you are going to
be happy.
