Always look on the bright side of life
Here are five thoughts - some admittedly challenging - to help you get that much needed mood boost
You’ve watched “Dave” re-runs, splurged on yourself and downed pints of Stella Black. Nothing’s helping. Up to 20% of people experience symptoms of depression, you’re bottoming out or you just want something to improve your day. If you’re not happy you won’t be your best at anything but feeling sorry for yourself.
The apple never falls far from the tree
Some people naturally have a happy disposition, genes trump environmental factors, according to the experts. Differences in DNA that could explain why some people tend to have an extra bounce in their step might also underlie the tendency to be more emotionally stable and socially and physically active. Genes do not provide free passes from the doldrums, and other external factors will still try to mow you down. But, heredity could provide some people with a horde of happiness that they can draw from when the good times aren’t rolling. Canadian researchers’ ability to genetically stifle depression in mice in 2006 indicated that human happiness could one day be improved by manipulating genes. This was the first time science throttled the throes of any organism. Mice bred to be void of the gene, called TREK-1, acted as if they had been downing anti-depressants for at least three weeks.
It’s not the size, it’s the thought
It only takes a small amount of money spent on others to make you happier on a given day, according to a 2008 study. And selfless acts can also help your marriage become a more enjoyable experience for you and your spouse. __After performing good deeds, people are happier and feel their life has more purpose. But is the act selfless if you expect something in return? Maybe it just depends on how you look at it.
Think of a happy place
Humans are more resilient than we think and can endure trying times, as demonstrated in a 2005 study that tracked mood changes in dialysis patients. They were in a good mood most of the time despite having their blood cleaned three times a week for at least three months. But healthy patients envisioned a miserable life when asked to imagine adhering to this demanding schedule. As Winston Churchill said, “A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.”
Physical Exercise
Exercise improves one’s state of mind in part by affecting the body’s levels of two chemicals: cortisol and endorphins. The adrenal glands of angry or scared people produce cortisol. This increases blood pressure and blood sugar, weakens the immune response and can lead to organ inflammation and damage. But working out burns cortisol, restoring the body’s normal levels. Running, cycling or using an aerobic exercise machine also causes the brain to release endorphins — the body’s natural pain relievers — into the bloodstream. The body foregoes the negative side effects of drugs while still experiencing a natural high. To gain the most from your workout, make sure its intensity reflects your stress level. And challenge your body to continually adapt by varying the exercise’s length and intensity.
Time is on your side
If you have the right genes and are selfless, optimistic and active but still find yourself down in the dumps, just give it some time. A study of 2 million people from 80 nations found that depression is most common among adults in their mid-40s. Among Brits the worst of times hit women around age 40 and men about age 50. But with age humans are more inclined to filter out the negatives while focusing on what they enjoy. Generally people in their golden years tend to see the glass as half full, despite their aching joints and increased doctor visits. Happiness, it seems, takes time so I suppose as the Eric Idle song goes ’Always look on the bright side of life’ da da, da da, da da, da da!
Factual elements gleaned from www.clinical-depression.co.uk, www.mind.org.uk and www.ageuk.org.uk
Prof. Nigel Moore (our resident psychologist) http://www.tenimc.com