Get the gray out of your days. If you find yourself feeling down, empty and helpless, here’s what you should do:

1. Take care of yourself. Stick to a nutritious diet and make sure you get enough rest.
   

2. Recognize your feelings and find out why they’re there. Mood changes are triggered by real life experiences, dreams, or events. A journal may be helpful.
   

3. Avoid being alone. When you’re by yourself, emotions can seem overwhelming. Don’t be afraid to join support groups or ask for psychiatric help.
   

4. Laugh out loud. Laughter helps reduce tension, anxiety and guilt. It also produces endorphins, your body’s natural painkiller.
   

5. Studies are studying the link between depression and lack of sunlight exposure. Spending short but frequent amount of time outdoors appear to increase vitamin D levels, affect blood flow to the brain, and help regulate hormones. So get out there and have fun.
   

And as Holbrook Jackson, a British writer and journalist, once said, “Happiness is a form of courage.” Be strong. Choose to be happy.