Feeling Down? 7 Ways to Pick Yourself Back Up!

1. Make a list. Sometimes we
   are depressed simply because we are overwhelmed with all the things we
   have to do that we haven’t gotten around to doing. You might be into
   GTD, but sometimes every GTDer falls behind with his system, and
   sometimes you just don’t have the energy to do so. So all the “stuff”
   that’s in our head can overwhelm us. Start simply by picking up a piece
   of paper and a pen, and making a list of the most pressing things you
   have to do. Sometimes it’s work stuff, sometimes it’s stuff around the
   house that’s bothering us, sometimes it’s goal tasks, or a combination
   of these and more. Simply making a list can be a big relief — you’re
   getting things under control. You can see, right in front of you, what
   you need to do, and that alone can pick up your mood.


2. Take action. You’ve made a
   list, and you still feel overwhelmed? Well, get started on the first
   thing you need to do. Is it a big task? Break it down and just do the
   smallest task, something just to get you started. Once you get started,
   once you get into action, you’ll feel better. Trust me. You might still
   feel overwhelmed, but at least you’re doing something. And once you
   start doing something, you’ve got momentum, and that feels much better
   than lying around feeling sorry for yourself.


3. Exercise. I know, you might
   not be in the mood for exercise. But just do it! Taking a walk, going
   for a run, going to the gym, whatever it is you do for exercise — get
   out and do it now! You don’t need to do a real hard workout, but the
   simple act of exercise can lift your mood immediately. Just do it!


4. Shower and groom yourself.
   Laying around in your underwear, smelling bad, is not going to do you
   any good. Simply showering, and feeling clean, can do wonders for your
   mood. Brush your teeth, comb your hair, shave, do whatever it is that
   you need to do to feel clean and good about yourself. Instant pick me up!


5. Get out of the house and do something.
   Sometimes, if you stay home lying around, feeling depressed, just
   getting out (after showering and grooming) will change your mood.
   Staying home all the time can really get you down, and you may not
   realize this until you go out and do something. Preferably something on
   your list (see No. 1).


6. Play some lively music. I
   like Brown Eyed Girl, the Kinks, the Ramones, or an upbeat Beatles
   tune, but you might have your own brand of feel-good music. Whatever it
   is, crank it up, and let yourself move to the beat. It may just be what
   the doctor ordered.


7. Talk about it. Got a
   significant other, best friend, family member, co-worker you can talk
   to? Bend their ear. That’s what they’re their for. If you don’t, there
   are hotlines, or professionals, you can talk to. And then there’s
   always online forums. These are great places to find someone to talk
   to. Getting things off your chest makes a big difference, and can be a
   huge lift. It can also help you work out the reasons you’re feeling
   down.

• Purpose Your Day: Most Important Task (MIT)


• My Morning Routine


• How I Became an Early Riser


• Tracking My Goals (Ben Franklin hacked)


• Best Way to Jumpstart Your Day (evening routine)


• Top 10 Productivity Hacks


• Top 20 Motivation Hacks


• Think About Your Life Goals


• Best 8 Way to Deal With Detractors


• Discipline is an illusion; Motivate yourself instead


• My Fav Procrastination Hack: 30-10


• Review Your Goals Weekly