3 Mind Hacks to Help You Beat Depression and Feel More Joy

Often, people who struggle to beat depression think that they simply got stuck with a sad brain. All this talk about chemical imbalances and hormones in the brain may make you think that you need to be on some pill in order to feel better. Nothing could be further from the truth! You can actually rewire your brain to think happier, more positive thoughts and learn how to deal with stress more effectively.

Here’s how:

• Stop Feeling Bad about Feeling Bad
As if it weren’t enough to feel down in the dumps, many of us start to feel ashamed about not being able to beat depression. We think that being depressed somehow makes us a failure. Next time you’re feeling guilty or ashamed of your feelings, remind yourself that everyone feels blue from time to time, and your depression can actually have something to teach you. Always focus on the positive (even when it’s really hard to do), and don’t let yourself get sucked into feeling doubly bad!

• Learn From Your Stress
In our fast-paced performance-driven society, we’re taught to see stress as a bad thing, but it’s actually a completely normal reaction designed to protect you. Stress is uncomfortable because it’s your body’s way of telling you that something needs to change! Perhaps you’re working too hard or not taking enough time for yourself. The key to learning how to deal with stress is to figure out what it’s trying to tell you!

• Focus on Others
Depression can make you feel ultra withdrawn. When you’re constantly trying to figure out how to deal with stress and pull yourself out of the darkness, it’s easy to get stuck inside your own head. Unfortunately, pushing others away can make you feel worse in the long run. Force yourself to go out to dinner with friends, or practice a random act of kindness. Your mood will get an immediate boost!

The only way to beat depression is to keep fighting it. Never resign yourself to the fact that you’re simply a depressed person. It’s not true. Once you know how to deal with stress and change your perspective a bit, you’ll begin to feel happier and more content—just as you were always meant to be!