Staying up all night may actually improve the mood of people who are feeling sad, according to a study from the University Hospital of Freiburg. Drinking coffee in small amounts on a regular basis may also help prevent depression, as found in a Harvard School of Public Health study. Wearing clothes that make you feel good can also boost your mood, as shown in a study from the University of Herefordshire. Slow-movement tai chi has been found to improve mental health in depressed individuals, as found in a study of people in their 60s. Making therapeutic lifestyle changes such as spending more time outside, taking care of others, eating well, and maintaining strong ties with family and friends can also be helpful, according to a study from the University of California. Furthermore, a study from the University of Navarra in Spain suggests that avoiding fatty and sugary foods may lower the risk of depression.
Remain awake all night
Even though it might seem strange, if you’re sad, you might want to try staying up all night. Research from all over the world shows that not getting enough sleep could actually make you feel better. In a study done at the University Hospital of Freiburg in Germany, people who were sad felt better after just one night of not sleeping, and 75 percent of them said that their mood stayed better. It’s possible that staying up resets the body’s internal clock, which can get messed up in people with sadness. So, if you’re sad, you might want to stay up until dawn and see if it helps you sleep better the next night.
Drink coffee sparingly
If you drink coffee every day, you might be less likely to feel sad as you get older. A Harvard School of Public Health study found that women with an average age of 63 who drank two to three cups of coffee per day were 15% less likely to get depressed than those who drank no more than one cup per week. But you should only drink coffee in small amounts and ask your doctor if it is safe for you to do so.
Dress yourself happy
When you wear clothes that make you feel good, your mood can improve. A study from the University of Herefordshire found that sad women were more likely to wear casual clothes like jeans and baggy tops. Wearing clothes that make you feel happy and confident, like bright colors and beautiful fabrics, may help you feel better. So, the next time you’re feeling down, try putting on something that makes you feel good about yourself.
Learn tai chi
If you are feeling down and want to feel better, you might want to try slow-movement tai chi. A 2011 study of depressed people in their 60s found that a weekly tai chi class and antidepressant medicine helped improve their mood, quality of life, memory, energy levels, and other parts of their mental health. Try your neighborhood health club or an alternative therapy center to find tai chi classes.
Give yourself some TLCs
If you are depressed, your doctor may tell you to take medicine or go to therapy. A study from the University of California, however, found that making therapeutic lifestyle changes (TLCs) can be just as helpful. Researchers say that TLCs include spending more time outside, taking care of other people, eating well, and taking care of your ties with family and friends.
Decrease Sugar and fat
A new study from the University of Navarra in Spain suggests that eating fatty and sugary foods might make you more likely to get depressed. In the study, almost 9,000 people who had never been clinically depressed were watched for six years. During that time, one in 18 of them became clinically depressed. Researchers discovered that individuals who consumed a lot of baked foods and fast food were more prone to be depressed. Instead of looking for sweets and processed foods that are bad for you, it might be better to choose healthier foods.
