People may feel worthless, lonely, and unloved during difficult times. Over time, they begin to lose interest in life, become more reclusive, cry frequently, and sleep for long hours. They stop looking at life with hope and constantly criticize themselves. They blame themselves, feel unworthy of love, and dwell on painful memories. If you realize you are in such a situation, you need to adopt ways to overcome depression and take steps to recover.

Let Go of the Past, Focus on the Present

One of the main issues many of us face is constantly thinking about the past or future, preventing us from living in the present. Past events are unnecessary burdens on our shoulders. Even though we want to move forward confidently and quickly toward the future, the past slows us down. To stay in the present and achieve our goals in a healthy way, we must let go of the burdens of our past. Stop blaming yourself for something that has already happened. Replace guilt with regret, and turn regret into experience.

Staying present also requires distancing yourself from anxieties and fears about the future. Things often turn out differently than planned, and life has its own course. The best way to stay in the present is to laugh. Watch videos that make you laugh, and spend time with friends who uplift you. Smiling is contagious—after watching someone smile for two minutes, you'll likely start smiling too. Additionally, research shows that laughing relaxes the brain by tightening muscles and triggers serotonin production.

Cook and Eat Your Favorite Foods

Another way to overcome depression is by turning your time into fun through cooking your favorite meals. Cooking will take your mind off things, and you'll enjoy the satisfaction of creating something. If you're someone who tends to overeat during stressful times, you may face weight issues later, so it's recommended to share the food you make with others. You can also participate in community events by baking goods for charity, which helps reduce stress and allows you to contribute to others.

Dedicate Time to Your Hobbies

Now is the time to join the language course, dance group, or painting class you've been wanting to attend for a long time. When you notice signs of depression, immediately change your daily routine and start incorporating things you love. Engaging in hobbies keeps you in the moment and distracts you from your worries. Write down the things that make you feel good and start doing them one by one. Walking, dancing, painting, composing music, writing poetry, swimming, playing soccer—adding these activities to your life can help you drive away depression.

Listen to Music That Uplifts You

Music has a way of nourishing the soul, but it's important to choose melodies that uplift your energy. If you're dealing with heartbreak, rejection, or betrayal, temporarily remove songs that remind you of those events from your life. Instead, opt for songs that infuse joy and hope into your day. Singing along to music out loud can also be very therapeutic.

Exercise to Stay Healthy

The benefits of exercise for the body are countless, and it also has great effects on mental health. Exercise triggers the release of hormones like endorphins and serotonin, which make you feel happy. If you're struggling with weight or stress, don't delay starting a fitness routine. Exercising helps clear your mind, rid your body of toxins, and gives you a more objective perspective on life. Even if you're not an athlete, aim to walk briskly for at least an hour every day.

Take a Short Vacation

If you feel stuck in a whirlwind of work and overthinking, take a few days off and go on a vacation where you can unwind. This should be a personal retreat, allowing you to temporarily set aside life's problems. Discover new places, take lots of photos, get a massage, swim in the sea, and enjoy the sun. Don't treat this as an escape from problems, but rather a way to eliminate them entirely. Remember, no matter where you go, you take your thoughts with you, so aim to return from your vacation with a completely refreshed mind.

Do for Yourself What You Expect from Others

Overcoming depression starts with self-love. If you want others to love you, first you must learn to be at peace with yourself. Look in the mirror and express gratitude for what you have—your eyes, nose, face, chin, eyelashes, body... You possess many beautiful qualities, even if you're not aware of them. Don't forget to look in the mirror every day and shower yourself with compliments. Look into your eyes and tell yourself that you love yourself with all your strengths and weaknesses. Avoid making unnecessary sacrifices for others, and only engage in relationships that don't drain you.

Have you ever set a beautiful table just for yourself? Prepare a special table with your favorite scented candles, decorative objects, and the dishes you love. Today is your day, and everything is for you. Enjoy your favorite dessert while listening to music.