It’s a fact of life: everyone wants to be happy. When you’re feeling hopelessly depressed, remember there ARE things you can do!

1. Get involved. Even if the last thing you want to do is put yourself out there, it will make you feel better. Doing what’s easy isn’t always the best choice.

2. Do something different, whether it’s talking to someone new or taking a different route to the same place you always go, it will make your day better.

3. Think about good things from your past. It will keep you optimistic for your future.

4. Be thankful. Everyone has something to be grateful for, like having all the opportunities we have. It has been scientifically proven (psychology at Hofstra University in Hempstead, N.Y.) that people who think about what they’re thankful for in their lives are healthier and have more energy.

5. Walk around outside. It can put your mood from blah to bright! (Especially if it’s sunny)

6. Don’t dwell on things that make you feel bad. We can all do it but tell yourself, “I’m focusing on something else now.”

7. Pick one thing you like about yourself and let all the rest float away. Let that favorite thing shine.

8. Realize that you have control of your thoughts and therefore your emotions. Even though you make feel like that’s not how it is, you can always tell yourself, “I seriously need to do this now” or “I seriously need to stop doing this now.”

9. Breathe. If you want to be energized, breathe longer inhales and if you want to be more calm, breathe longer exhales.

10. Do things that make you feel accomplished.  The activity itself doesn’t have to be fun for you, but if you feel like you’ve made an achievement afterwards, that is what you’re looking for.

So, when you’re sad, try one, or all, of these things and you will have more positive emotions for sure. Even feeling just a little happier adds up over time, and will make your life better!