Sounds funny, huh? This is often referred to as metacognition - to become aware or to “think” about what you are thinking about. It is a step further than just realizing you are down or depressed. It is actually asking yourself why your thoughts are your thoughts. What was it that triggered you and how did it start. It is the first step in changing certain patterns in our brains. Understanding and breaking out of our brain thinking "loops" is the key to gaining back the joy that has been stolen from us. It is as simple as that. Bringing the subconscious mind to the surface changes the "loop" or pattern in the brain. Sometimes, this is enough to change your mood by itself.

When I feel the blues coming on and no amount of thinking about "why" seems to make it better, I make a list of everything in the world that I am grateful for. It doesn't matter if it is as simple as the sky is blue, I will write it on a piece of paper. I try to make my list a long as possible. Usually my list includes loved ones, my home, pets, and being clothed and fed for today, but I also include things that I've been through in the past that I am now free from. Then, I pray over the list and give thanks to my Higher Power, whom I choose to call God. Making this list will almost immediately change my perspective on things.

According to Business Insider, the first week when you stop exercising, you lose 5% of your oxygen flow to your muscles and other organs. That means you have 5% less energy than you did before. The second to third week, your muscle cells become smaller whereas your fat cells become larger. You now have lost 12% of oxygen available to your muscles. When you hit two months, you lose 26% of oxygen flow to your muscles. You are now at a greater risk of high blood pressure, high levels of fat in the blood, certain cardiovascular diseases, obesity, depression, and if you aren't already suffering from low self esteem, your low energy levels will most likely contribute to that as well.