Everyone feels sad at times. That’s not what we’re talking about. The kind of “discouraged” we mean is worse, like feeling hopeless.

If you can relate to that kind, then the first thing to do is drink a glass of cool water. then breath in through your nose very deeply and slowly before you let out your breath. Now repeat it three times.

These are called “cleansing breathes.”

Think that’s not going to do it? Just begin. . . give it a try. Now think of something good that you’ve done in your life. Think about it for a while. Then congratulate yourself.

Think of a second good thing you did, for somebody else. Now say, “well done.”

The last thing to do is to think about something good that you want to happen tomorrow. Invent it if you have to, even if it is something simple like looking forward to that first cup of coffee, or seeing the sun rise.

Looking forward to something – no matter how small, or simple – is the first step toward feeling better which is the first step toward getting into a better mood, a better place and realizing that each day has a clean slate and things will get better for you. Expecting better things will give you something to look forward to.

Try it again, and drink another glass of water. Research has shown that dehydration can lead to depression. We often forget it’s the simple things that are so often overlooked in our lives.

Lastly, go give someone else a hug. They probably need it more than you know. You’ll be getting one back in return.