Just try to keep reminding myself that the mood/situation will pass.

Definitely, music - up loud and singing along at the top of my voice! Agree with One Toke Over The Line and almost any upbeat song from my teenage years. Also, Bring On the Rain by Jo Dee Messina got me through a trying transition period in my life a few years back.

If the sadness still won't let go, then I drag out all the sad songs and movies and let the tears flow freely. It seems easier to pick myself back up after that.

Listen to music
Clean
Watch funny videos on YouTube or read funny memes

I try to stay away from alcohol as it only makes it worse.

whatever it is, just doing something strictly for ME, because *I* feel like it. it might be a stroll through hobby lobby. or surfing the interwebs on a particular subject. or treating myself to an indulgent lunch. or a long hot shower. or a nap.

i also 'second' comedy therapy. there is one particular video on youtube i could watch over and over again and crack up each and every time. or silly animal videos.

Chocolate

Pamper myself. I do something I enjoy doing. I may take myself to the movies or out to eat. I also treat myself to something special. Retail therapy is the best.

I have suffered with clinical depression in the past, and been hospitalised for it. Sadly if that is the problem, then none of the normal things work. When I was depressed, I was not even capable of concentrating on a TV programme, a book etc - the only thing I could do was listen to music and then it had to be really calm, soothing music.

But if I am just feeling down, I generally either indulge in a bit of retail therapy, or get out in my garden and do some work there. Or take the dog for a walk. A glass of wine doesn't hurt either

Curl up on the couch and watch horror flicks.

If I need a cry I listen to Leonard Cohen - any song will do.

Petting fur baby helps too. He gets in really close when he knows someone is upset.

I lock myself in my room or my car with tissues, sad music, and a punching bag. Then I let it all out. Go over every last worst case scenario, every mistake I made, every evil around me. I cry, I rage. And then when I'm feeling empty and numb, I start going over every good thing. Even if it's just a smile from a stranger on the street. I take that in and use it to build up a positive image of myself and my life. And if I can't quite get the positivity for me, I think about the positive image I want for BS5 and BS2. Sometimes I can't make the happy stick in me, but I can fake it well enough to get out and moving again. I play with my boys and have a mini date night with DH, and the joy from them seems to sink in and fill me up.

I don't know how else to describe it. Though on rereading it, I kind of make myself sound like an emotional vampire. :? But for me it's more like depression is a black hole trying to draw me in, and every moment I spend with my sons or my DH is another tether or net that pulls me away from the black hole and anchors me in reality.

Laugh at your signature line about the Amish chick who got caught wearing a thong. That is hysterical.

But seriously, I play the piano and my french horn a lot. It takes my mind off of things. I think exercise is great too, when you are able to go into that zone where you just focus on your breath. I must do that more.