What Is Sadness?

Most people describe sadness as feeling empty. We have all lived it - it’s so common, in fact, that it can be hard to describe in words. But the let down that is often paired with a punch-in-the-gut sensation or tears (or both) is universally human. When we feel sad, it really helps to talk to someone we trust. Naming our feelings and expressing our emotions actually helps shrink them, which is almost the opposite of what we’d expect but it’s true! (Okay, occasionally it’s not true…) 

Beyond talking things through, there are some lifestyle strategies that often work to level-out moods. These include:

• Eating well: our moods are more even-keel with a healthy, balanced diet.
• Getting at least 30 minutes of exercise everyday clears the mind, works the heart, and sweat detoxifies us - all great for mood improvement
• Sleeping is king! Don’t stay up too late and aim to get at least eight hours of overnight sleep
• Connecting with others: whether via text but even better in person, by video chat, or just a plain old phone call, talking to friends does wonders for our feelings.
• Air + sunshine: one or the other or, ideally, both.
• Taking a hot bath.
• Meditating.
• Journaling.
• Drawing or playing a game like sudoku or doing a crossword
• Rereading a favorite book.
• Watching a funny movie.

Click here for article: Am I sad or Depressed? What’s the Difference?
Click here for more on depression

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