How To Be Happy. Lessons Learned From Depression.
How To Be Happy - Adam Ball - Medium
Lessons learned from depressionNot too long ago I was struggling to be happy.On the surface I was still smiling, joking and playing around but it was just a front.I was depressed. For the people who have experienced this illness you’ll know what this means but many will not. It’s a tough subject to talk about and even writing these words whilst I’m doing well is hard. For those of you who’ve not been through it I’ll try and explain it briefly.It’s not sadness. Its not like when you get rejected on a date or don’t nail that pitch. It’s not a bruise or a cut. It won’t go away with rest and you can’t heal it with a bandage.It’s a weight that feels like it can’t be shifted. It’s feeling despair even when things around you are going so well.I might write about all of that another time but here I wanted to share with you the lessons I’ve learned from depression.This is how I learned to be happy.ExerciseThis forms the foundation for everything else in this post. If you ignore everything else please just try this one thing. For me, it proved to be the start of a passion.Just start with something simple like a walk around the block. Do this a few times and create a habit. Once this is formed build on it with a few runs. Before you know it you’ll start to feel healthier, happier and stronger.I started being able to just about run a mile and would be collapsing at the end. I’ve now completed my first half marathon this year and have a solid habit of either going running or hitting the weights 3-5 times a week.P.S. You do have time, turn off the TV.Do what you loveSeems like an obvious one right? Then why do I keep seeing people in jobs or careers that don’t make them happy? I know the reasons well myself. They formed the lines in the grand play of apathy and misery I was taking the lead role in.It pays well. I’m lucky to have a job right now. I’m scared. The list goes on.It takes courage believing in yourself and it can be easier to encourage others rather than looking in the mirror and giving the same advice.Most people I know have some idea floating around for a business or project. Whether its scribbled down on the back of a fag packet or plans that have been in the works for a decade. It boils down to the fear of being judged. For putting our ideas out into the world and being shot down.My message to you is: screw fear. None of us know how much time we’ve got left so don’t wait another second and take that first step towards doing what you love.Face things head onI used to put all kinds of decisions off. I was paralysed by it.The problem I face is that if I don’t tackle something right away then I start to get a growing weight in the back of my head. A brewing storm of procrastination and guilt develops. The faster you summon the courage to tackle that dissertation, break up or tough meeting, the faster you’ll find out its not the end of the world.Don’t sweat the small stuffOne of the biggest causes of apathy and pain that I experience are due to overthinking decisions. Whether it’s thinking that a blog post I’m writing is complete trash (come at me trolls) or all of the things that could go wrong on a date with that beautiful girl. It just comes to a point when you can’t worry about every single detail. You have to knuckle up and take action.Once you start to trust your instincts and aren’t afraid of failure you’ll start to push yourself to new limits. Who knows where you’ll end up.ExploreKeep learning. Try new things. These are my mantras in life and they keep me interested, fresh and happy.If you’ve been wanting to go to Italy then learn Italian, travel out there, fall in love.Want to build a startup? Learn to code.The world can feel full of pain sometimes but if you just open your eyes to all of the wonder in the world then it will transform your life.