April 13, 2006
"Five Things Likely to Make You Happier in the Short Term".
Of course, these things won't solve your long-term problems, but they are useful tricks to giving yourself some relief when it all seems too much.
Each is virtually guaranteed to give you some satisfaction, but they won't work unless you try them. Sometimes, misery and depression can all become a bit too comfortable. Taking action, however minor, can appear like too much effort. It's so much easier just to hang around the house feeling bad, than doing something about it. At least with your misery, you know what to expect - and even better - it doesn't take any effort. Right?
Wrong.
So before you read my list, make a promise to yourself that you will do one of the below right now. The lazy, miserable part of your mind will almost certainly dismiss them as useless. It will try to suck your energy and glue you to the chair, bed or couch. No matter how much your internal pessimist tries to talk you out of it, pick one of the below and go and do it the very second you finish reading.
If you choose not to, it's time to admit to yourself that you prefer being miserable to being happy, and that is the root cause of your sadness.