They can help you pick yourself up and dust yourself off, even if you're not ready to start all over again. Find time to exercise. Studies have shown that getting at least 30 minutes of exercise at least three times a week can lift your mood as much as taking certain antidepressants. Exercises raises the levels of serotonin, the brain chemical that boosts feelings of well-being. Joining a group of hikers or tennis players will also get you out of the home, where you're more likely to brood.
Isolation can exacerbate depression.
Whether it's your family, a formal support group for those going through a breakup or divorce, an informal network of sympathetic friends, a church or synagogue, reaching out to others is crucial in rebuilding your life. Schedule plenty of coffees and lunches with your supportive friends. If you haven't made a new friend in a while, you can use the gym or your local bookstore to find companions. Watch what you eat and drink. If you're the type of person who doesn't eat or binges when you're depressed, you shouldn't use this time to embark on a diet or go overboard eating chocolate for dinner.