Remedies Against Sadness
Remember that day you didn’t want to get out of bed? Or that other day you just wanted to be left alone? The MCO we’re currently in has a way of putting us through a roller coaster of emotions. For some of us, it might be concerns about health or income keeping us awake at night. For others, it’s being cooped up indoors with people all day making them anxious and overwhelmed. There are also people who are isolated having feelings of loneliness and depression triggered within them. Or sometimes we might even feel out of sorts for seemingly no reason whatsoever.
If you’ve been experiencing days like these, we’ve got you covered. And no, this does not involve consuming intoxicating liquids or attempting any questionable activities. In fact, these remedies against sadness come from the great St. Thomas Aquinas himself, so we’re sure it can be safely recommended to people of all ages and walks of life.
1. Give yourself a nice treat
Whether it’s ice cream or chocolates (or even a glass of a certain potentially intoxicating liquid), a treat of your favourite thing will always do the job to lift low moods and make one feel a little better. Indulge in something that brings you pleasure and enjoy it guilt free.
2. Cry
According to St. Thomas, “a hurtful thing hurts more if we keep it shut up…” When we have no way to express our sorrow, it only gets worse. Crying, instead, is the soul’s way to release a sorrow that can otherwise become paralyzing. In fact, Jesus too wept. Pope Francis once said, “certain truths in life can only be seen with eyes cleansed by tears.” So, bawl your eyes out but do so always keeping in mind that God has promised to “wipe every tear from our eyes.” (Rev 21:4)
3. Share your sorrows with a friend
A sorrow shared is a sorrow halved (Aristotle). Don’t keep your problems to yourself. Call or text a friend. There are also priests and nuns who are ever willing to provide a listening ear (See: https://nbvmscic.org/2020/04/need-a-listening-ear-contact/). Even if they may not have a solution to offer you, simply talking to someone will do wonders to lift the weight off your heart and bring clarity to your mind.
4. Contemplate truth
Remind yourself of what is true: that tough times don’t last and when we persevere there is always glory and happiness in the end. Look at God’s promises in the Bible: “Do not fear: I am with you; do not be anxious: I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.” (Is 41:10) “And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.” (Matt 28:20) Know that these are truth and not that which the father of lies wants you to believe. Contemplate upon these words of scripture and be comforted by the words that God speaks to you.
5. Take a shower and a nap
Now this might seem a little odd, but it is true that St. Thomas recommended that taking a warm bath and a nap can soothe a troubled heart. This is because we are not merely soul, or merely body. And our body and soul interact with and influence each other. What he means here is that taking proper care of our body also heals the soul. This could mean doing different things for different people but ultimately what is important is to take time to rest and let the body recuperate.
So, do try some of these tricks to feel better the next time you have a particularly hard day and know that no matter what, you are never alone. KA