Browse our latest catalogue
Find a store near youCarolyn Clementson B.Pharm (Read time 3.5 mins)
Sadness touches all of us at different times but is usually short-lived. Depression, on the other hand, is significantly deeper and lasts longer. Depression can leave you feeling continuously troubled and can dull the enjoyment of activities that you normally find enjoyable. If the events of the past year have left you feeling emotionally drained, you’re not alone. Enjoyment has been hard to come by during the pandemic. Whilst this time has been unusually stressful, people can struggle to find happiness even in “normal” times.
There’s some good news to lift your mood; you can make meaningful changes to improve the quality of your daily life and feel happier. The following strategies have been shown to help. Why not try each of these for a week? If one or more of these positive changes helps increase your happiness, keep doing it!
- Get active
Regular exercise can help to improve both your mental and physical health. Aerobic activity releases happiness hormones including dopamine, oxytocin and serotonin. In fact, one study found that just 90 minutes a week of activity provided mood improvements similar to an antidepressant. When combined with medication, exercise can even help mood disorders that have been resistant to other treatments. Ideally, you should aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise five days a week. Just getting started? Some is better than none! Even a 10 to 15-minute walk can elevate your mood.
- Appreciate little things
Little irritations can be enough to ruin your day, but the reverse can be true as well. Studies have shown that taking time to appreciate small moments of joy can make you feel happier! Take an extra moment to enjoy spending time in the garden, having a cup of tea, eating a meal with family, or reading a good book. Celebrate milestones and achievements, a project well done, or a daily goal met. Try making a conscious effort to pause and enjoy at least one small moment of happiness every day.
- Make fewer decisions
Having lots of choices is great in theory, but it can also generate stress and worry. Research has found that people given more options have more opportunities for regret. Not having to make decisions all day long can be a relief! To help ease the mental load, try limiting the time you take to make a decision on less important matters or consider fewer options. Once you make a decision, don’t second guess it!
The above strategies are a good place to start when looking for happiness and are easy-to-implement changes that anyone can make. However, if you are experiencing ongoing and continuous feelings of sadness, reach out for help. Many pharmacists are trained in Mental Health First Aid and are readily available to provide advice about health and medication. They can also point you in the right direction if you need further support.
