Noble deeds and hot baths are the best cures for depression.” Dodie Smith

For the purposes of this article, depression will refer to those times of low mood we all sometimes experience; those episodes when you are really fed up and feeling blue. Past experience tells you it won’t last forever but at that moment you just can’t seem to cast it away. It does not refer to clinically diagnosed depression, as to do so would be flippant. Depression is a serious mental health condition and should not be underestimated.

What I like about this quote is the idea that two simple acts can help you out of your low mood and make you feel better. Consider these possibilities when you are next feeling down and want a happiness boost. Let’s look at each in turn.

Noble deeds

Want a sure fire way to increase your happiness? Positive psychology researchers all agree – do good deeds for other people. If you can motivate yourself to help another, you will find you have forgotten yourself and your own concerns. Your worries and concerns go on hold, as you stop focusing inwardly. Such acts may give you a reason to get out of bed in the morning and make your life seem more meaningful.

Not only that, the very act of giving makes you feel better about yourself and the person that you are. This may seem like a selfish reason to engage in altruism, but if it benefits both parties, who cares?

By the way, the more noble deeds you do, the happier you become. The happier you become, the more likely you are to do noble deeds in the future.

Ideas for noble deeds

Do a favour for a friend, neighbour, family member, colleague or stranger.

Phone a friend and find out how they’re doing. Resist the temptation to use it as an excuse to talk about yourself. Really listen and empathise.

Do volunteer work. Just a few hours a week is plenty.

Come to the aid of a stranger. Don’t be the one to keep walking, assuming another will assist.

The best noble deeds are the ones you do without telling anyone about them. Initially, this may take some planning, as it is easy to do a favour openly and receive a compliment for it; it is not so easy keeping your good deeds secret. Having carried out your deed, if asked if it was you, you should deny all knowledge of the act.

Hot baths

Hot baths are in themselves a great way to boost mood, helping you relax and also get a good night’s sleep. However, I also see this as a metaphor for looking after yourself, as a hot bath is ‘me time’. It is an opportunity to soothe and restore. You really should not feel guilty indulging in regular relaxation and time-out for yourself. It is essential to obtaining a good balance in your life.

Hot bath activities

Have a hot bath! Make it a pleasure – use bubbles, candles and warm fluffy towels.

The best mood booster is exercise. Exercising on a regular basis can help prevent depression.

Listen to calming relaxation music. Whilst doing so breathe slowly and deeply, relaxing your whole body as you do so. As you breathe out, imagine blowing your blues away, and breathing in renewed energy and a more positive mood.

If not relaxation music, try mood boosting music. Grab a tune that makes you feel happy and want to dance around the room. Shiny Happy People by REM is a good one.

Smile. Look in the mirror and smile at yourself.

Go to bed. You may simply be tired and sleep is a great way to rejuvenate.

Know if you are feeling stressed, and take steps to reduce it.

Talk to a friend or a counsellor.

Look at my positive tips or try Happy Mails.

Keep a diary of good things. Write in it all those good things that have happened in your life and are going on in your life right now. You can then read through it when you are in need of a ‘hot bath’ .

Go for a walk.

Make time for your hobby.

Research has shown following a mood boost, people are more helpful. So if struggling where to start, try a hot bath activity first, then move on to your noble deed!