How can i stop being sad


11 Ways to Stop Feeling Sad Right Now

It can come out of nowhere, with no rhyme or reason, or it can follow a crushing breakup, the loss of someone special, or any other particularly tough time. It can slowly roll in, like the dark clouds before a storm, or it can hit you suddenly, without any warning. Whatever form it comes in, sadness is something we all experience—and yet it can still be incredibly difficult to get past.

But here's the thing: You can learn how to stop being sad. While some tried-and-true methods require you to dig deep, other ways to beat the blues are incredibly simple, like spending more time outside, watching a show that's practically guaranteed to make you laugh, and, yes, crying your eyes out. (No, spending all day on the couch, with a pint of Chunky Monkey in one hand and your favorite glass of red in the other is not a scientifically-proven technique for letting go of sadness, unfortunately.) One thing to note: If you're still feeling upset after a period of two weeks and if you notice any other symptoms—like loss of energy, trouble concentrating, or difficulty sleeping—you should reach out to a professional for help.

Ahead, psychologists and mental health experts share their top tips for how to stop feeling sad, regardless of your triggers.

First, don’t feel bad about feeling sad.

When something negative happens in your life, it can seem like your world is ending. But instead of suppressing or dismissing your emotions—either by distracting yourself or keeping up a good front—you should actually embrace them. “All emotions are important to experience and have valuable information for us about our lives,” says Dr. Lori Rockmore, Psy.D. In fact, a 2017 study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology concluded “individuals who accept rather than judge their mental experiences may attain better psychological health, in part because acceptance helps them experience less negative emotion in response to stressors.”

Instead of beating yourself up for feeling down, try to consider this as an opportunity to learn, grow, and find true healing, says Briana Borten, CEO of the wellness organization Dragontree.

Can't pinpoint why you're sad? Try writing.

Sometimes it's easy to pinpoint the reason you feel upset―say, if you just can't get over your ex, you bombed your big work presentation, or you had a major fight with your partner. But, at other times, you may be sad for no discernible reason. When this is the case, grab a pen and a piece of paper and “write without stopping for five minutes or longer,” suggests life coach Sunny Joy McMillan. Not only may you naturally uncover what's causing your sadness, but just the act of writing may help you start to feel better, something that's backed by numerous studies. Alternatively, you could also try keeping a journal, taking a yoga class, or meditating―all of which are great ways to focus on your inner self.

Embrace your emotions.

As we mentioned earlier, when you avoid sadness altogether, you’re actually doing more harm than good. “You can’t heal what you don’t feel,” says life coach and author Nancy Levin.

As uncomfortable as it may be, acknowledging and embracing your sadness is actually the first step to feeling better. "Instead of running away or eating something, drinking something, or yelling at someone, breathe it in," Tibetan Buddhist nun and author Pema Chödrön told Oprah during an episode of Super Soul Sunday. "No matter how bad it feels, you just give it more space. When you breathe in, you open to it."

To release sad emotions, don't overlook the value in a good cry.

Alternatively, you could also try "crashing," which is something Levin does when she's sad. “I put on music or movies or shows that I know will help me cry and have a release,” she says. (Need some recommendations? In our experience, Sam Smith's "Stay With Me" or Coldplay's "Fix You" are both great options for a cathartic cry.)

While it may seem counter-intuitive, Levin is actually on to something. "Only humans exhibit emotional crying," says Dr. Matt Bellace, PhD, psychologist, and self-help author. And not to get too science-y but Bellace says a biochemical analysis of tears found that the droplets contain an endorphin named leucine-enkephalin, which is known to reduce pain and improve mood. Plus, according to a study published in Frontiers in Psychology, crying is associated with the activation of the parasympathetic nervous system―which stimulates a relaxation response―meaning it may have a self-soothing effect on people. Equally important: The same study found that "criers most likely report mood improvement if they receive comfort from others," so it may be helpful to let it out in front of a close friend or family member.

Now, here's how to move on.

Once you’ve ugly cried until your eyes burn, it’s time to get a grip on things. It could take a few days, a few weeks, or even a few months. “Grief doesn’t live on a timeline,” says Levin. But you can’t stay in a dark hole forever. Here’s how to crawl out:

Set the bar ridiculously low.

To ensure that you don't go from zero to 100 and back to zero again, “lay the groundwork for success by initiating action in the smallest possible increments,” suggests McMillan. Start by doing something simple (like brushing your teeth or washing your face) and then continue taking small, incremental steps (say, making coffee or putting on a clean, cozy sweatsuit). “Once you get moving you may be surprised that you feel inspired to do more,” she says.

Find what does make you happy. (And laugh).

Consider this the opposite of crashing: Instead of embracing weepy, tearjerkers, pick out an uplifting read, put on some happy tunes, or watch a few feel-good films, suggests McMillan. Alternatively, you could engage in an activity or hobby you truly enjoy, whether that's volunteering, working on a challenging jigsaw puzzle, or tending to your lush gardens.

Even better? Doing something that'll make you laugh (think: listening to a comedy podcast, or even watching a cat video on YouTube). "Laughing in response to pain and sadness can be a terrific coping mechanism," says Bellace, adding, "Laughter releases endorphins similar to exercise, reduces the stress hormone cortisol, and increases dopamine (a.k.a. 'the feel-good-hormone')." Of course, the grieving process takes time, "so there is no shame in not wanting to laugh for a while," assures Bellace.

Reach out to your people―especially if you're feeling lonely.

Having a support network is key, especially if you’re going through a difficult time―so consider this permission to invite your girlfriends over for even more wine and cheese (yes, a virtual happy hour, counts too).

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Need some help expanding your social circle? "Do things outside the home that include other people,” says Borten. For example, pick something that generally interests you, like a book club. “You’ll be surprised how quickly a community forms.” And while it’s great to have friends IRL, even an online community can offer kindness and accountability. Try searching Facebook for groups that may be able to offer support―for example, a bereavement/grieving support group. Or, search groups by interests (travel? cooking? even crochet!) to find like-minded people who can lift your spirits with a common passion. Just “make sure the online group is a loving place, involving people with a common goal,” says Borten.

Reframe your thoughts to stop thinking about the past.

Let’s say that after a break up, you keep telling yourself you’ll never find love again. Or, perhaps you got a not-so-glowing review from your boss at work, so now you're convinced you'll never be promoted and you might have chosen the wrong career entirely.

That's when it's time to change your narrative. Therapists call this technique cognitive restructuring and it's a process in which you identify and challenge distressing and irrational thoughts. One way to do this: Simply turn a negative thought into a positive one. For example, says McMillan, instead of telling yourself, "I’ll be alone forever," try saying "I will find love again." (Or if that’s a stretch even saying “I may find love again,” is better!) You’ll feel more peace and less sadness, and eventually you will even believe it.

Spend time in nature.

Rockmore recommends experiencing the outdoors with all five of your senses, which she calls “behavioral activation.” Pay attention to what you see, feel, hear, smell and possibly taste in nature, and it may help you out of your slump. “Getting out of hibernation and being active stimulates the nervous system and gives people the opportunity to see beauty in the world,” says Rockmore.

That's also part of the reason why spending time outside can reduce stress and decrease blood pressure, as well as increase creativity, and cognition. Don't have time for a 6-mile hike? According to a 2019 study, spending 120 minutes a week (or just over 17 minutes per day) exploring your local park or walking around your neighborhood can greatly enhance your overall sense of well-being.

Seek help if you think you may be dealing with depression.

If your sadness goes beyond the blues—your sleeping patterns and eating habits change, you’re not interested in activities you used to enjoy, you have trouble concentrating or making decisions—it may mean it's more than just ennui. And while self-help books are a good tool (Rockmore recommends The Happiness Trap and Beat the Blues Before They Beat You), you may find that talking to a therapist—even if it's through an online platform—is helpful.

If you are considering self-harm, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or text HOME to 741-741, the Crisis Text Line.


Sara Stillman Berger

Sara is a freelance writer in New York, where she hides her favourite candy from her husband, two kids and even her golden retriever. The goldfish never asks for anything. Sara's work has appeared in The Washington Post, Women’s Health Magazine, Eating Well, shape.com, Scary Mommy, Runner’s World, Prevention, Seventeen, Martha Stewart Weddings, and Brides Magazine, among other publications.

This content is imported from OpenWeb. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

Feeling Sad? Try These 20 Science-Based Depression Busters

Feeling Sad? Try These 20 Science-Based Depression Busters

By Tchiki Davis, MA, PhD

What does it mean to feel sad and how do you take action to reduce sadness? Here are a bunch of science-based strategies to beat sadness and depression.

*This page may include affiliate links; that means I earn from qualifying purchases of products.

What does it mean to feel sad?

Sadness is defined as having grief, sorrow, or unhappiness. Sadness is also closely related to feelings of poor self-worth. Sadness is also a key aspect of depression. In fact, feeling sad can lead to the development of other symptoms of depression including sleeping and eating difficulties. Luckily, if you're feeling sad there are lots of things you can do to feel better. 

How is sadness different from depression?

Often when we are sad, we say, "I'm depressed". This may be true, but the clinical definition of depression includes sadness as well as several other closely related symptoms like pessimism, self-dislike, insomnia, loss of appetite, and more [1]. Approximately 17% of the population will experience a Major Depressive episode at some point in their life [2]. If you're not sure if you're sad or depressed, here's a depression quiz that might help. If you need professional advice, please consult a trained therapist.

Regardless of whether you're sad or depressed, these 20 science-based strategies can be helpful. 

1. Learn how to create more positive emotions

Positive emotions are a powerful way to undo negative emotions like sadness. Positive emotions broaden our thought processes and build on themselves [3]. They create upward spirals of positivity. That’s why doing whatever we can to create more positive emotions is key to reducing our sadness. You can generate positive emotions in a variety of ways such as improving your ability to think positive, practice gratitude, and find things that are meaningful. So try to build your positive emotions and begin to undo sadness.

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2. Do things that you enjoy

One of the easiest ways to stop feeling sad is to engage in activities that you enjoy [4]. Do things like spending time with friends, getting outside, or going to social events. You could also draw, garden, or dance—whatever helps you feel less sad. To get started, make a long list of all the things you enjoy. Then schedule positive activities in your calendar to make sure you don’t forget.

3. Be self-compassionate

Being self-compassionate and reminding yourself about your positive attributes, can help limit negative emotions [5]. So if you’re being really hard on yourself, try thinking about your good qualities and strengths. If you’re kind, smart, creative, or hard working, focus on these things, perhaps by using positive affirmations.

4. Outsmart your smartphone

These days we’re on our phones 24-7. But we have to be careful because spending too much time on our phones or the Internet is associated with higher levels of depression and loneliness [6]. But it's important to know that some types of Internet-use are actually good for us [7]. So, learn how to outsmart your smartphone and develop a relationship with technology that helps you when you're feeling sad.

5. Decrease your stress

Research suggests that depression is associated with HPA-axis dysfunction. The HPA axis is responsible for regulating cortisol and our stress response [8]. So explore stress reduction techniques and lower your stress to stop feeling sad. 

6. Improve communication skills

Sometimes we feel sad as a result of feeling lonely or isolated. That's why improving our social skills can help with sadness. When we engage in active listening, communicate kindly, and stand up for ourselves we can ensure more positive social interactions that can make us feel less sad.

7. Work on shutting down rumination

Have you ever gotten stuck thinking about what went wrong in the past or worrying about what could go wrong in the future? That’s rumination, and it's a main feature of depression [9]. To stop the rumination that's fueling your sadness, shift your thoughts to an unrelated problem, or do a distracting activity. These strategies can help you get out of this sadness cycle.

8. Try not to expect the worst

We often think about the worst case scenarios. We do this as a coping strategy and we think we're helping ourselves by mentally preparing for the worst. But it actually just makes us feel worse. Suddenly feeling sad can turn into feeling upset, anxious, or even overwhelmed. So try to remind yourself that the worst thing rarely happens and attempt to shift your thoughts to feel less sad.

9. Try not to be self-critical

Challenging self-critical thoughts can be helpful in reducing sadness. To do this, try to look for evidence that your self-critical thought is incorrect or try to find more positive interpretations. By challenging your self-critical thoughts, your brain can learn new ways of thinking that can help curb sadness.

10. Give mindfulness a try

Mindfulness involves awareness and acceptance of thoughts, emotions, and bodily states. Mindfulness can help to deactivate negative thinking styles that lead to sadness and activate acceptance and self-compassion. To practice this skill, pause, pay attention to your negative emotions and attempt to approach them with kindness, empathy, and patience rather than anger or judgment.

11. Use cognitive reappraisal

Reappraisal can help us reinterpret a sad situation in a more positive (or less negative) way. Some of us have poor reappraisal skills and this can contribute to higher levels of sadness and depression [9]. Luckily, we can improve our reappraisal skills. To practice, reappraise the sad situation by thinking about what’s good in the situation (or how lucky you are that the situation isn’t worse). By regularly practicing this strategy, you can get better at it and it can help you stop feeling sad.

12. Express yourself through writing

Lots of research has explored the benefits of writing about your most intense emotional experiences. The goal of this type of writing is to let go and explore your real emotions. In one study, doing expressive writing for 45 minutes, 3 times per week for 3 weeks resulted in lowered depression [10]. So if you have sadness that was never fully resolved, this may be a good strategy for you.​​

13. Make a plan

​Because there are many actions you can take to stop feeling sad, making a "happiness plan" can be helpful for reaching your goals. For example, you could plan to try one new sadness-busting trick each week. Or, you could schedule what you plan to do in your calendar so you don't forget.

14. Read some self-help books

There are so many science-based self-help books out there that can help with sadness. One study found that people who read the book by David D. Burns entitled, Feeling Good, resulted in lowered depression symptoms [10]. Other science-based self-help books are also likely helpful for reducing sadness.

15. Take online courses to boost happiness

In addition to self-help books, online courses can also teach us things that help us feel less sad. Here's a few online courses that might help:

  • The Berkeley Happiness Program: Discover how to build positivity, resilience, and mindfulness
  • The Stress Detox Program: How to undo the effects stress has had on your body and stop the stress cycle.
  • Communication in Relationships: Learn How To Create Lasting Passion In Your Relationship
  • Be Extraordinary: Discover How Your Level of Consciousness Could be Silently Holding You Back – And Get The Right Tools To Instantly Amplify Your Performance, Impact & Self Mastery.

16. Boost

serotonin levels

Deficiencies in serotonin are common in depressive disorders. So how do we naturally increase serotonin? One way is to eat more carbohydrates because eating carbohydrate-rich food increases serotonin in the brain. Another way is to take 5-HTP supplements. This ensures you have the building blocks needed to make serotonin.

17. Use your diet to decrease sadness

One of the most surprising examples of how diet affects mental health has to do with sugar. Intake of sugar has consistently been linked to higher depression [11]. So if you’re feeling sad consistently, eating a healthier diet with reduced sugar could be really helpful.

18. Exercise outdoors

Getting moderate to vigorous intensity activity has been linked to lower risk of depression. Aerobic exercise, in particular, may contribute to higher levels of serotonin [12]. So get outdoors in the sun and fresh air or go for regular walks to bust sadness.

19. Work on sleeping better

Insomnia predicts greater risk of developing depression [11]. So improving sleep may be helpful when you want to stop feeling sad. Some ways to improve sleep include establishing regular sleep times, adjusting diet in ways that aid sleep, and changing thought patterns that can negatively affect sleep.

20. Try not to obsesses about it

None of us wants to feel sad. Luckily, there are many actions we can take to grow our happiness. But we have to be careful because obsessing about happiness, or our lack of happiness, can increase negative emotions. If we worry too much about being sad, we are actually doing ourselves more harm than good. So try to focus on taking actions that decrease your sad feelings and improve your quality of life.

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In Sum

Although there are lots of ways to beat sadness, sadness also has some benefits. It can help us get social support, take a step back, and rest when we need it. So remember, it's okay to feel sad. And when you're ready, you can use the tools presented here to feel better.

Video: It's okay to feel sad

References

  1. Beck, A.T. and R.A. Steer, Internal consistencies of the original and revised Beck Depression Inventory. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 1984. 40(6): p. 1365-1367.
  2. Blazer, D.G., et al., The prevalence and distribution of major depression in a national community sample: the National Comorbidity Survey. Am J Psychiatry, 1994. 1(994): p. 1.
  3. ​Fredrickson, B.L., et al., The undoing effect of positive emotions. Motivation and emotion, 2000. 24(4): p. 237-258.
  4. Rohde, P., N.C. Feeny, and M. Robins, Characteristics and components of the TADS CBT approach. Cognitive and behavioral practice, 2005. 12(2): p. 186-197.
  5. ​Koole, S.L., et al., The cessation of rumination through self-affirmation. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 1999. 77(1): p. 111.
  6. Kraut, R., et al., Internet paradox: A social technology that reduces social involvement and psychological well-being? American psychologist, 1998. 53(9): p. 1017.
  7. ​​Shaw, L.H. and L.M. Gant, In defense of the Internet: The relationship between Internet communication and depression, loneliness, self-esteem, and perceived social support. Cyberpsychology & behavior, 2002. 5(2): p. 157-171.
  8. Charmandari, E., C. Tsigos, and G. Chrousos, Endocrinology of the stress response. Annu. Rev. Physiol., 2005. 67: p. 259-284.
  9. Garnefski, N., et al., Cognitive coping strategies and symptoms of depression and anxiety: a comparison between adolescents and adults. Journal of Adolescence, 2002. 25(6): p. 603-611.
  10. ​Stice, E., et al., Randomized trial of a brief depression prevention program: An elusive search for a psychosocial placebo control condition. Behaviour research and therapy, 2007. 45(5): p. 863-876.
  11. ​Knüppel, A., et al., Sugar intake from sweet food and beverages, common mental disorder and depression: prospective findings from the Whitehall II study. Scientific reports, 2017. 7(1): p. 1-10.
  12. ​Lopresti, A.L., S.D. Hood, and P.D. Drummond, A review of lifestyle factors that contribute to important pathways associated with major depression: diet, sleep and exercise. Journal of affective disorders, 2013. 148(1): p. 12-27.

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How to stop being sad? - yourspeech.ru

A sad heart is more useful than a cheerful one . Solomon said so. There is a lot of truth in these words - despite all the advantages of fun, laughter, optimism, slight sadness gives the ability to feel deeper the objective inferiority of reality, teaches you to empathize, gives you the will to be a person. In sadness, many writers, artists, musicians sought and found inspiration - people with a spark in their souls. We are constantly in contact with the consequences of sadness in art, everyone can remember Levitan's autumn landscapes, Pushkin's rhymes. Everyone hears the tear-jerking compositions of Ennio Morricone...

Of the entire list of depressive states, sadness carries the least negative connotation. Without developing into melancholy, without sinking into sadness, it does not require medical intervention or psychological assistance. Many take pleasure in sadness by imagining themselves in various sad situations, imagining how the whole world freezes for a moment, leaves activity and begins to feel sorry for them. Such feelings are vague and contradictory . A person who does not want to willingly part with sadness does not cease to suffer from it. This is a mild form of masochism, manifesting itself in surrendering to sad memories or future sacrifice. nine0005

We all feel sad from time to time; this state most often goes away on its own, without requiring our efforts. But it happens that sadness takes root, it becomes a familiar state. Then it's time to get smart and take action. The first step is to take a good look at yourself. There are many reasons for sadness , it often seems to us that we are aware of what became the reason for lowering our emotional mood. However, a person is a complex being, in the labyrinths of a cause-and-effect relationship you can easily get lost, so introspection will be a necessary thing for a long time. nine0005

But causes are causes, and awareness must be followed by actions.

Contents

  • How to get rid of sadness
  • External changes
  • Pity is a fight!
  • Contact people
  • Develop yourself
  • Do more sports
  • Do not judge
  • Positive look

How to get rid of sadness

result. But we are able to take steps that will affect the course of biochemical processes in the head in the way we need, along the optimal route. And here is "instruction" for adjustment - exemplary, of course. Everyone has their own keys to the pantry of positive emotions. It will not be superfluous to remind you that you do not need to fall into the pool of terminology. It should be well understood that sadness is different from sadness, melancholy and other conditions from the same line. Therefore, everyone can get rid of it on their own.

External changes

Take care of your appearance, shake your mind with a new hairstyle, make-up, replenish your wardrobe with beautiful things. Pamper yourself with a brand new phone that you have been looking at for a long time, make a nice gift for your loved ones - and you yourself will be pleased. Engage in rearrangement, unnecessary trash in the trash, hang new curtains - bring novelty to the interior. Do a general cleaning, freshen up the apartment, let a stream of happiness into your life! In general, approach sadness from the rear - behind all these things you will not notice how a slight sadness disappears. nine0005

Pity - fight!

Don't fall into the trap of self-pity. The person is contradictory: and I want to understand how to get rid of sadness, and it's a pity to lose the habit of stewing in a cozy world in which everyone owes you. After all, it’s convenient to play a victim of circumstances: you don’t need to take any responsibility for your own fate, you don’t have to strain yourself - you can lie on the couch, mourn, dream that once everything will change there by itself, without our participation. Are we really to blame for what happened so deplorably? Let life take care of us for us. nine0005

There is no need to think and act like this. With an act of will, break the habit of shifting responsibility and do at least something for your own good. Without giving in to pity.

Contact people

Good company brings positive, energizes. A sad person is the place in a pleasant company, where they will support and will not let you get bored. “Going out” forces you to look good, which contributes to the implementation of the first point. Social contacts encourage people to respond appropriately, which, subject to conscious volitional efforts, affects the development of the habit of smiling and being a pleasant conversationalist.

Develop yourself

A person absorbed in sadness is not the most interesting person. Not only for others, but also for yourself. Grow professionally, deepen your specialization. Look for new points of application of your intellect, grow not only in depth, but in breadth. If possible, travel - a lot of new experiences will simply smear sadness! An active position in life does not guarantee the absence of sadness, but is the key to its transience. nine0005

More sports

If you are a sports fan, you are in luck. If not, you will have to force yourself, but physical education is necessary for the body - through "physics" the body receives additional protective barriers, including emotional ones. In addition, physical activity contributes to the production of happiness hormones, but how can you feel sad with endorphins?

Do not judge

Often the reason for sadness is the attitude of others. Try not to judge too harshly, people consisting only of pluses, because there are simply no such people. An adequate response to human shortcomings eliminates many problems. Moreover, in order not to experience sadness for this reason (or to minimize the likelihood of its occurrence), you yourself need to meet people halfway: be open, friendly, and benevolent. Then the people around will give much less reason to be sad. nine0005

Positive outlook

Regardless of whether you are sad or not, produce positive - consciously and purposefully. The correct view of things is a powerful click on the nose of sadness. Connect your will, smile . Positive facial expressions have a great effect on the emotional picture.

Let's sum it up: don't forget about prevention, but if you get sick, arm yourself with psychological and social tools and vacuum, sweep, and wash your psyche out of sadness.

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How to stop being sad 15 steps to change your sad state of mind / My life

No one escapes life without sadness. If you find that the dark cloud is more than a silver lining, it's time to learn how to stop being sad.

This topic, how to stop being sad, caused me. It has been almost ten years since I lost my husband and best friend to cancer. There are days when my life goes well, and then something reminds me of his or our life. I am suddenly devastated beyond recovery. There's a sadness that just won't set my soul free. nine0005

I wish I had a magic pill, button, or phrase so that the wound would free your soul, but I don't. All I know is that happiness and sadness are in the same class. Just as the closest thing to love is hate, the closest thing to happiness is sadness. It's just a matter of degrees.

There will never be a time in your life when everything is so simple * do they even talk like that anymore? *. But life is too short to constantly go through it. nine0005

How to stop being sad - 15 steps to get out

Some of us face much more difficulties than others. Some people manage it while others can't. The key to knowing how to stop being sad is knowing that nothing lasts forever, and that's a good thing. Sadness and joy come and go. It's all about getting through the bad and looking forward to the joy.

# 1 Anticipate valleys among peaks . To understand the secret behind knowing how to stop being sad, remember that life is full of peaks and valleys. By this I mean that no one lives a life that is always joyful. But in the same respect, no one lives by those who are full of sadness. nine0005

As a camel, you save the happiness and joyful times in your life to travel to the valleys. If you want to overcome sadness, learn to manage and recognize the good so that the bad cannot outweigh the times of bliss.

# 2 Know that feelings don't last forever . When you're sad, it's a temporary feeling, as long as you don't let it consume you. Whatever drives your sadness, accept that nothing lasts forever if you don't let it.

Only you keep yourself in that which makes you feel despair. If you know that the sun will shine again, then sadness is only fleeting and easy to experience. Like a rain cloud, before you know it, it will disappear and you will find sunshine again. nine0005

# 3 Find the silver lining, it's always there. Where there is stormy weather, there is most likely a rainbow. Whatever sad experiences you have experienced in life, there is always something to take and learn from it.

It may not always be readily available and sometimes you have to look for it. But in any bad situation there is always a lesson. It takes some training to recognize this and learn from it.

# 4 Know that there is always someone worse off. nine0090 I had a daughter and a husband with cancer and I can tell you that no matter how low or sad you feel, take comfort in the knowledge that there is always someone worse than you.

It's not a "move on, you're not the worst in the world" statement that cancels out your pain. It's just a fact. Whatever makes you sad is not as bad as what other people who are worse off are going through. Take the good that you can find and realize that life can always be worse. Enjoy what you have, even if it doesn't feel like much at the moment. nine0005

#5 Recognize that without sadness you cannot experience joy. If everything was fine with you and your life was perfect, you know what? You would not realize that you are even happy. You must know what sadness is in order to recognize joy. Without contrast, everything is the same.

Being unhappy is never fun, but you never know what happiness is, because that's all you've ever experienced, it's like seeing only black and white. Without hard times, you have no idea what you miss or what wonderful things can be. nine0005

# 6 Find humor in not funny . If you are sad, then you probably do not see the humor in life. Even in the most unfunny times you can find laughter. Laughter is not only the best medicine; it's what makes sad times bearable. Find your humanity by finding humor or even irony in how bad things feel and seem right now.

#7 Never take anything too seriously. The reason we're stuck in sadness is because we tend to things that don't mean too much to us. Of course, everything that is happening now can be very bad, but if you are stuck in it, then it may be that you take everything that comes your way too seriously. nine0005

You only have one turn here, so stay stuck, don't let go of things that don't do you any good.

# 8 Release luggage. If you feel constantly sad, then there is a good chance that you are holding on to things that are not your responsibility. How to carry a backpack with grudges, if you do not reconcile or forgive things in your past, then it is almost impossible to find happiness.

If you let your past cloud your future, you will never find the joy and peace you crave. Put down your backpack, damn it, burn it, and learn to forgive and forget so that your sadness disappears. nine0005

#9 Stop trying to control all s. One of the biggest things that upsets you is the feeling that you have to be in control. Unfortunately, life is uncontrollable, and the sooner you understand this and learn to ride with it, the happier you will be.

Sadness comes from the despair you feel when you feel out of control and helpless. You are not helpless and cannot control what happens in your life. If you just say "fuck that" and let life do what it's about to do, you'll find that sadness is a lost feeling. nine0005

# 10 Change what you can and know when you can't. Sometimes you get into the sad zone, feeling like it's your responsibility to make sure everything goes well. When it doesn't, you start to feel responsible.

Make sure you are well versed in things that are in your power and things that are not, or you will become miserable if you do not try to change things that cannot be changed.

# 11 Volunteer . If you want to know how to stop being sad, start by volunteering. Volunteering is a great way to get rid of sadness. Not only does helping someone make you feel good, but it also shows that everything you do is nothing compared to what others experience. Volunteering just puts everything at stake and helps you get out of your sad funk. nine0005

# 12 Sadness drives away sadness . Sometimes finding someone in the same boat just as sadly helps you drive them away. Knowing that you are not alone and that everyone goes through the same stupid shit is the best cure for sadness. Feeling less lonely makes you feel a lot less unhappy.

# 13 Find out how you can benefit from your sadness. Sometimes we feel sad because we get some personal benefit from being stuck in sadness. If you feel like you deserve sadness, then you control it. Sadness doesn't come from anything, and if you're constantly there, then you get something out of it. nine0005

The only way to get over this is to admit that the feeling is not working out the way you hoped for and let it go. We engage in habitual behaviors and constantly think because we get some personal benefit from them. If you figure out what it is, then you will find your way to happiness.

# 14 Find the source leading this. Sometimes we remain sad because we don't want to deal with what drives our sadness and don't acknowledge it. Constantly pushing things away instead of confronting them head to head is never a good way to get through life. nine0005

If you find the source of your sadness and work through it instead of going down the path of avoidance, sunny days lie ahead.

# 15 make a commitment to change. Sadness can be a rut. There is nothing harder to get out of the rut. Getting stuck is much easier than finding a way to break out or change. If you really want to stop being sad, then the only one who can change that is you.

Sometimes we say we want something, but we don't really want it.


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