Download Article
Reset your mindset and connect with your inner joy
Download Article
Whether you’re just having a bad day or are dealing with ongoing depression, there are plenty of things you can do to change the way you feel—and quickly. From quick happiness boosters to managing long-term sadness, we’ve got something for you. Just remember, there’s no shame in reaching out for help if you need it.
This article is based on an interview with life and transition coach Michelle Shahbazyan, the founder of The LA Life Coach. Check out the full interview here.
Things You Should Know
- To regain your happiness, take time to do things you enjoy and prioritize self-care.
- Spend time in nature and with people who make you feel good.
- Eat well, exercise, and practice gratitude.
Steps
Expert Q&A
Search
-
QuestionWhat should I do if I am feeling lost in life?Michelle Shahbazyan is the Founder of The LA Life Coach, a concierge life, family, and career coaching service based in Los Angeles, California. She has over 10 years of experience with life coaching, consulting, motivational speaking, and matchmaking. She has a BA in Applied Psychology and an MS in Building Construction and Technology Management from Georgia Tech University, and a MA in Psychology with an emphasis on Marriage and Family Therapy from Phillips Graduate University.Think about how you want to give back to society, because we all need each other in some shape or form. If you think about how you're interested in giving back to the world, that is usually a good starting point to find purpose. In terms of productivity, it's important to know that a mental stalemate is intertwined with your body. Try to get your body moving, and usually your mind will get moving too. Also try to read and get new information, as new incoming thoughts can create new outgoing ideas.
-
QuestionHow can I get out of a 35 year marriage that has had problems since the beginning?Tasha Rube is a Licensed Social Worker based in Kansas City, Kansas. Tasha is affiliated with the Dwight D. Eisenhower VA Medical Center in Leavenworth, Kansas. She received her Masters of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Missouri in 2014.Have an intentional and respectful discussion with your marriage partner about your feelings. Set your intentions and allow them to also speak their voice. Then, talk to a lawyer about your rights based on divorce laws within your state. Gather as much emotional support from friends and family that you can muster, as it will be a difficult process.
-
QuestionWhat if I'm depressed and I don't know why?Tasha Rube is a Licensed Social Worker based in Kansas City, Kansas. Tasha is affiliated with the Dwight D. Eisenhower VA Medical Center in Leavenworth, Kansas. She received her Masters of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Missouri in 2014.Your best bet is to seek out emotional support from a trusted family member or friend. They will be able to help you to get the right kind of help from a qualified counselor or therapist.
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
Advertisement
Tips
- If you’re grieving due to a loss, you may struggle with worries that you’re not feeling the way you should and not going through the stages of grief the “right” way. Thinking this way causes guilt and can make your sadness even worse. Seek support and guidance while you’re grieving, but also trust your own feelings about the right way for you to experience grief. [32] X Trustworthy Source HelpGuide Nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free, evidence-based mental health and wellness resources. Go to sourceThanks
Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
Advertisement
References
- ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/10/smarter-living/follow-your-passion-hobbies-jobs-self-care.html
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2908269/
- ↑ https://e360.yale.edu/features/ecopsychology-how-immersion-in-nature-benefits-your-health
- ↑ Michelle Shahbazyan, MS, MA. Life Coach. Expert Interview. 18 March 2020.
- ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/sunscreen-and-your-morning-routine
- ↑ Michelle Shahbazyan, MS, MA. Life Coach. Expert Interview. 18 March 2020.
- ↑ Michelle Shahbazyan, MS, MA. Life Coach. Expert Interview. 18 March 2020.
- ↑ https://advancedpsychiatryassociates.com/resources/blog/solo-activities-for-depression/
- ↑ Michelle Shahbazyan, MS, MA. Life Coach. Expert Interview. 18 March 2020.
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7364393/
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9620890/
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/click-here-happiness/201801/how-be-happy-23-ways-be-happier
- ↑ http://www.apa.org/monitor/2011/12/exercise.aspx
- ↑ Michelle Shahbazyan, MS, MA. Life Coach. Expert Interview. 18 March 2020.
- ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/nutritional-psychiatry-your-brain-on-food-201511168626
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/17290-omega-3-fatty-acids
- ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/fight-fatigue-with-fluids
- ↑ https://advancedpsychiatryassociates.com/resources/blog/solo-activities-for-depression/
- ↑ https://psychcentral.com/blog/are-you-keeping-busy-to-avoid-your-feelings#1
- ↑ https://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/April-2016/Five-Ways-to-Stay-Productive-During-Depression
- ↑ Michelle Shahbazyan, MS, MA. Life Coach. Expert Interview. 18 March 2020.
- ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/grief/coping-with-grief-and-loss.htm
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/3-health-benefits-of-volunteering
- ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/guides/well/how-to-be-happy
- ↑ https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/04/190412094728.htm
- ↑ https://psychcentral.com/blog/are-you-keeping-busy-to-avoid-your-feelings#1
- ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/depression/depression-symptoms-and-warning-signs.htm
- ↑ https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/find-help
- ↑ https://988lifeline.org/
- ↑ https://988.ca/
- ↑ https://www.crisistextline.org/
- ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/grief/coping-with-grief-and-loss.htm
About This Article
Article Summary
X
It can be tough when you're feeling low or in a rut, but with a few small changes to your routine, you can start to feel happier again! Set a few goals for yourself each day, even if it’s something small like taking a walk or practicing guitar for half an hour. This will help you stay busy and keep track of your accomplishments. Aim to exercise for at least 30 minutes a day, which will release endorphins and help you feel better. Consider talking to a therapist, or at least a close friend, about how you feel. Often, sharing your thoughts and feelings can help to make sense of them. Try to be patient with yourself. Negative emotions can be difficult, but they won’t last forever. If you’re feeling particularly hopeless or you’re having suicidal thoughts, call a hotline so you can talk to someone and get help. In the U.S. you can call 1-800-784-2433. For more tips from our co-author, including how to deal with a painful breakup, read on.
Did this summary help you?
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 305,266 times.
Reader Success Stories
- "Take some time away from social media. It might only be a few days but it can help bring things into perspective. Instead spend time with friends, maybe go to the cinema together or go for a cup of coffee, instead of talking through a screen." ..." more
Advertisement
"Take some time away from social media. It might only be a few days but it can help bring things into perspective. Instead spend time with friends, maybe go to the cinema together or go for a cup of coffee, instead of talking through a screen."
..."
more
"Keep busy, eat healthy, exercise, sleep, be productive, and don't mope around for too long. Do something you enjoy. It's too easy to get caught up in doing everything that needs to be done. Take time to enjoy doing something you like."
..."
more
"I enjoyed reading the articles, they gave me a different look on things. I lost my dad a year ago suddenly. He was my best friend. I realized I need to let the hard feelings go. The only person who its hurting is me."
..."
more
"This article helped me diagnose my friend with depression. Once she went to the doctor and got treated, she's back to her old self again. Thank you so much for giving me my best friend back."
..."
more
"I was upset because my dad was mad at me and I wanted to be happy again. So, I read this article and followed as it said and I feel much better now."
..."
more
