Chase Those Blues Away

When sadness comes to call, we often say, “I’ve got the blues” or “I’m in the dumps,” or even, “I’m feeling bummed out.” However we refer to it, sadness is a normal part of life and is usually triggered by something - a breakup, a betrayal, the loss of a loved one, a missed opportunity, a scary diagnosis, or simply feeling stuck. This is important to understand because being clinically depressed is another matter. Depression can be utterly debilitating; it often hangs on for a long time and should be treated by a mental health professional.

But when we are feeling sad, we carry on with life, though without our usual energy or spirit. When we know how to help ourselves, we can shortcut the blues, and send them packing. While you may not bounce back to your usual cheerful self immediately, these actions will help to chase those blues away.

Lighten your mood – One of my friends has a “playlist” of old movies that she reaches for because they never fail to put a smile on her face. If humor helps you in this way, you want to go online and look up “funniest jokes of all time” or simply reminisce about the silliest things you’ve done or the funniest experiences you’ve had.

Listen to music that matches your mood – On the other hand, you may want to simply “be with the sadness” for a while. From country blues to the Delta blues and blues rock, there are plenty of songs whose lyrics and melodies will “give voice” to what you are feeling. Listening to them can be cathartic, and yes, you will know when you’ve had enough.

Get creative – Here too, you’ve got options. Pick up that journal and write whatever comes to mind. Grab a pen or pencil and start doodling. Or tinker in the garage or your she-shed to help release your sadness. You might even try a closet refresh. In my case, this form of refresh allows me to clear out and organize my physical stuff while doing the same thing with my emotional “stuff.” And, that tiny bit of taking control makes me feel better.

Connect – You might text a close friend with a “Hey, can you talk?” message, or ask her to join you on a walk. Or how about sitting down and writing an oldfashioned letter? I stock up on artist-created notecards for just this purpose.

Get moving – When the blues knock on my door, I will often take them outside with me to walk them off. Or, I’ll embrace my new interest, Qigong, an ancient mind-body-spirit practice that infuses me with serenity – another effective antidote to the blues. Whatever form of exercise you choose – running, biking, swimming, yoga, or working out - remember that you’ll benefit from a welcome release of endorphins.

Spend time in nature – Research continues to reinforce that spending time with Mother Nature boosts feelings of well-being and lifts feelings of sadness. It explains why I absolutely love early morning weeding when the dew on the grass and birdsong seem to magically ground me in good feelings.

Do something for someone else – “getting outside of your own funk” by being generous toward someone else benefits both the receiver and you. A random act of kindness toward a complete stranger can be even more powerful.

Change something – maybe, it’s the regular order of your daily routine, your haircut, or taking a drive somewhere you’ve never explored. When we change something, we create a space for something new and experience something different. That small “refresh” can help feelings of sadness to melt away.

Chase Those Blues Away JEAN MARIE JOHNSON

Sober Sis