What to do when you feel depressed?

• Exercise is good for your body. But it also helps you to control your stress. Exercise doesn't have to be complicated: walk to the store more often, go for a walk or take the stairs instead of the elevator.

• Also try to exercise outdoors.

• Make arrangements with others. That will help you to keep it up.

• Take time to relax regularly. Alternating between stress and relaxation is good for your physical and mental health.

• Take a quiet moment every day and give yourself time to rest.

• Not everything you do has to yield immediate results, such as chatting with the neighbours, taking the children to the playground or enjoying a moment in the sauna.

• Do nothing at all. Just let a day pass without having to do anything.

• Don't forget to enjoy the little things in life.

• It is important to express your feelings. People who can talk about the things that are happening inside feel better both mentally and physically.

• Expressing feelings can be done in many different ways: talking, writing, drawing, writing songs, crying or laughing.

If you are walking around with depressive thoughts, you sometimes want to withdraw. If you notice that these thoughts are getting in the way of you being able to function properly, it is good to seek help. This can be done by your GP, but also by a coach or psychologist. It is important to take yourself seriously and to realise that help can be of vital importance. Is this step too big for you alone? Start the conversation with someone in your environment that you trust and look for help together.