please do not worry, i am not not on the road to depression though i admit i have some of the signs.. well.. at times. just think that this is quite a good reading.
If you have been feeling down, or out-of-sorts, your thoughts can easily turn to whether you are depressed or not.
* Exhaustion on waking * Disrupted sleep, sometimes through upsetting dreams * Early morning waking and difficulty getting back to sleep * Doing less of what they used to enjoy * Difficulty concentrating during the day * Improved energy as the day goes on * Anxious worrying and intrusive upsetting thoughts * Becoming emotional or upset for no particular reason * Shortness of temper, or irritability
Not all people have all of these, and some have different signs, but if you are depressed, at least some of these will probably ring true with you. The individual signs of depression - the way you feel - are what are used in diagnosing depression. So it's easy to see why there is so much confusion, seeing as the signs are generally common emotions and feelings.
Here are some tips to conquer the melancholy mood and get the most bliss out of your daily activities.
1) Get Enough Light and Sunshine. Lack of exposure to sunlight is responsible for the secretion of the hormone melatonin, which could trigger a dispirited mood and a lethargic condition. Melatonin is only produced in the dark. It lowers the body temperature and makes you feel sluggish. If you are always cooped up in your room (with the curtains closed), it would be difficult to restrain yourself from staying in bed. If you can't afford to get some sunshine, you can always lighten up your room with brighter lights. Have lunch outside the office. Take frequent walks instead of driving your car over short distances.
2) Get Busy. Get Inspired. You'll be more likely to overcome any feeling of depression if you are too busy to notice it. Live a life full of inspired activities. Do the things you love. If you're a little short on cash, you could engage in simple stuffs like taking a leisurely stroll in the park, playing sports, reading books, or engaging in any activity that you have passion for and would love to pursue. Set a goal - a meaningful purpose in life. No matter how difficult or discouraging life can be, remain firm and have an unshakable belief that you are capable of doing anything you desire. With this kind of positive attitude, you will attain a cheerful disposition to beat the blues.
3) Take a Break. I mean it. Listen to soothing music. Soak in a nice warm bath. Ask one of your close friends to massage you. Take a break from your stressful workload and spend the day just goofing around. In other words, have fun.
4) Eat Right and Stay Fit. Avoid foods with lots of sugar, caffeine, or alcohol. Sugar and caffeine may give you a brief moment of energy; but they would later bring about anxiety , tension, and internal problems. Alcohol is a depressant. Many people would drink alcohol to "forget their problems." They're just aggravating their conditions in the process. Exercising regularly is a vital depression buster because it allows your body to produce more endorphins than usual. Endorphins are sometimes called "the happy chemicals" because of their stress-reducing and happiness-inducing properties.
5) Get a Social Life. No man is an island. Your circle of friends are there to give you moral support. Spending time and engaging in worthwhile activities with them could give you a very satisfying feeling. Nothing feels better than having group support. Never underestimate the power of touch. Doesn't it feel so good when someone pats you on the back and gives you words of encouragement during your most challenging times? Hug or embrace someone today. You'll never know when you have saved another life. Establish close ties with your family and friends. The love and care expressed by others could tremendously boost your immune system and fend off illnesses. Best of all, you'll live a more secured and happy life.
the author should add in one more thing.. spending time with God.
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i like this song. another thing to ponder =)
I dreamed I went to Heaven, you were there with me. We walked upon the streets of gold beside the Crystal Sea. We heard the angels singing, then someone called your name. You turned and saw this young man, and he was smiling as he came.
He said, "Friend you may not know me now," and then he said, "But wait - You used to teach my Sunday School, when I was only eight. And every week you would say a prayer before the class would start. And one day when you said that prayer, I asked Jesus in my heart."
Thank you for giving to the Lord, I am a life that was changed. Thank you for giving to the Lord, I am so glad you gave.
Then another man stood before you, he said "Remember the time, A missionary came to your church, his pictures made you cry. You didn't have much money but you gave it anyway. Jesus took that gift you gave and that's why I'm here today"
Thank you for giving to the Lord, I am a life that was changed. Thank you for giving to the Lord, I am so glad you gave.
One by one they came, far as your eyes could see. Each life somehow touched by your generosity. Little things that you had done, sacrifices made, Unnoticed on the earth, in Heaven now proclaimed.
I know up in Heaven you're not supposed to cry But I am almost sure there were tears in your eyes As Jesus took your hand and you stood before the Lord He said "My child look around you, for great is your reward."