5 Myths About Fighting the Blues

We all have a few tricks for beating the blues -- things we do when we're feeling down. It turns out, however, that several popular strategies don't actually work very well in the long term. Beware if you're tempted to try any of the following (all of which I often, and unsuccessfully, have tried):

Have you ever tried to cheer yourself up using a strategy that just made you feel worse, in the end? Or what are more effective ways to beat the blues?

* If you enjoy checking out the latest scientific research, Science Daily is a great place to look.

* If you're looking for a good book, please consider The Happiness Project (can't resist mentioning: #1 New York Times bestseller).

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Comments

[Autora]

01:34 PM on 04/09/2012

There was one inadvertently humorous line in the 'letting yourself off the hook' caption: deciding to not put away the dirty dishes? Well no, it's usually better to wash them than to put them away. I would love to just put mine away and forget about them, but she's right that it doesn't work.

I used to have a terrible temper, and many years ago was given a suggestion that I frequently used: If you're so darn angry you know you need a physical outlet for it, try making a stack of paperback books and throwing them one by one into a corner. You may lose a few pages, but you won't destroy something you're actually very fond of.

In general, though, I agree that it's better to do something constructive, because of the nice feeling of having accomplished something. On the other hand, I do agree too that pajama days are awesome. A few good movies...whatever food or drink you like.... mini vacation!

[Ossit]

09:19 AM on 04/09/2012

The other explanations under the pictures are pretty lame. What works for you doesn't work for others.

[Ossit]

09:10 AM on 04/09/2012

"The pleasure lasts a minute, but then feelings of guilt, loss of control, and other negative consequences just deepen the lousiness of the day. So when you find yourself thinking, "I'll feel better after I have a few beers... a pint of ice cream... a cigarette... a new pair of jeans," ask yourself -- will it really make you feel better? It might make you feel worse." Oh wonderful! Now we've got a nanny deciding how we're supposed to feel. I won't let anyone make me feel guilty for eating anything. I don't feel a loss of control because no one dictates to me. I do feel better after a cigarette and we can all use a new pair of jeans. It's not like you're dipping into someone else's wallet.

"In fact, sticking to a resolution will boost your sense of self-esteem and self-control. So not letting yourself off the hook might do more to boost your happiness." How about you control yourself and stop nannying others like they need to explain, defend, justify and apologize for everything!

[LibrarianSarah]

06:55 AM on 04/09/2012

So when I am sad what I need to do is stop doing all the things I enjoy doing (except for number 4)? To hell with that pajama days are awesome.

[victorzeller]

11:53 AM on 04/09/2012

Pajama days are better with a nap.

[chiara0]

02:23 PM on 04/12/2012

and a cat for warmth and a good movie.

[romaamor]

03:16 PM on 04/06/2012

I find the best thing to do is to take out my guitar, crank up the amp volume and PLAY the blues!

[frw55]

10:37 AM on 04/06/2012

In my experience, angry emotions are best alleviated by taking on an herculean task and accomplishing it. For instance, cleaning out the garage or a closet, or major landscaping chores. The physical exertion accompanied by the sense of accomplishment does a great deal to banish anger in my case. For the blues, I find it's best not to give into isolation, staying in pajamas, and grazing on junk foods. On those days that I have the fight, it's to take a shower, make the bed, and get something accomplished. One of my favorite blues remedies is to prepare a nice dinner, rent a funny movie, and ask my favorite friends to join.

[darquelourd]

01:37 PM on 04/05/2012

#6 - Three cold 6.5 % alcohol IPAs interspersed with an equivalent number of bonghits.

[Ray Butt]

02:29 PM on 04/05/2012

Wait, you are saying that DOESN'T work for you? I call that "evening".

[annetaberkatz]

12:23 PM on 04/05/2012

I take a walk around the pond behind my condominium, and say my prayers, commune with God, ask him to live inside me and give me strength, wisdom, patience, understanding, to lead me where he would like me to go, and to bless and keep safe all those I love. I always come back feeling better.

A treat is also nice. When I was a little girl, my grandmother used to share her afternoon tea with me, putting my tea in a demitasse cup, with more milk and sugar than anything else. Sometimes we also shared a brioche, or cinnamon sticks. A cup of her tea always makes me feel better. She showered me with unconditional love, and memories of her comfort me.

[PCPrincess]

12:10 PM on 04/05/2012

When depressed, the one thing that will help the most is to do the one thing you want to do the least. Trust me; it works!

[ignacio sanabria]

02:29 PM on 04/05/2012

Right. fanned.

[camattingly]

10:51 PM on 04/05/2012

Very often the case.