Get Out of the Blues
We all have difficult days. Our mood can be down and we can feel depressed. Even as Christians, there are seasons of life where we just struggle to feel “up.”
In fact, some suggest we are more likely to feel down in the cold and dark Winter, so maybe the changing of seasons is enough to break us from a difficult time.
But in case it is more than that, what can we do to get out of the blues?
[DISCLAIMER: This post is not speaking about clinical depression. That is a serious issue and we would never dare say that the things we are going to suggest are “the fix” for it. If you suffer from that type of depression, we pray for you and hope that doctors and others can help.]
If you are just feeling a little down, let me give a few practical steps to GET out of the blues.
GET into the Word. We need to remember that the Gospel is good news! Don’t you need to be reminded of that when you are in a difficult season of life? Yes, you may have difficult days and you may struggle for awhile. But if you are a Christian, your Savior has already defeated the enemy and you have the blissful hope of heaven. Read the Bible and be reminded of that!
GET on Your Knees. God wants to hear all your heartaches and struggles. Even if you think you are just going through a little lull, the Lord wants to know that. “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that at the proper time He may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:6-7).
GET Outside. Sometimes we are down just because we have been staring at the same four walls for what seems like forever. Filling your lungs with fresh air and feeling the breeze and sunshine on your face can do wonders to lift your spirits. (Oh, and it reminds you of the awesome power and creativity of God, too.)
GET Some Exercise. It doesn’t have to be 12 hours of weightlifting (thank goodness). Just go for a brisk walk, or play catch with your kid. Take a bike ride or do some yard work. When the blood gets moving again and your muscles and joints are moving more, it helps pump good hormones through your body.
GET with a Friend. It may be your spouse, or it may be an old friend you just like catching up with over lemonade or lunch. But if they are truly a friend, you can confide in them that you are struggling. They will pray for you. They will help you smile. They will care…and sometimes, that’s all you need.
GET a Healthy Meal. When we feel bad, we often complicate it by eating poorly. We fill up on “comfort” food (which is often junk food) and then we start to not be as physically healthy. It is amazing what a couple of good, healthy meals will do for you when you are down. It doesn’t have to be a giant salad, either. Just avoiding junk and eating balanced and healthy meals will work wonders.
GET into Service. Few things do more to lift our spirits than to help someone else. Go visit a nursing home. Help an elderly lady clean out her flower beds. Run a dessert by the house of someone who is shut in. You will be reminded of some good things that you have, and you will take your thoughts off of yourself and pour them into the life of another.
It is okay to have a down day. We all do, and God understands that not every day will be filled with laughter and smiles.
But if you find yourself down, see if getting into these things doesn’t help you start to feel a little better and more optimistic.
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AUTHOR: Adam Faughn
