We asked readers to respond to these questions: When you feel down, what helps you get back to normal? What’s your secret?

When I am down, writing lifts my spirit and inspires me.
Warren Bryan, Jamaica

I learn to rest in church and start fasting and praying. I talk to Jesus about all my blessings and my problems. Then I feel happy and blessed.
Pau Lam Dal, Myanmar

I acknowledge that I’m either on my way down or have found myself down. I verbalize my negative thoughts. I reread a scripture that recently blessed my heart. I pray for God’s healing power. I exercise. I meditate on Calvary’s sacrifice for my healing. I eat and sleep.
Theresa Easy, Kingston, Jamaica

When I feel down, I sing. I pour my heart and soul out to the Lord. I become the clay while my Potter reshapes me. After a while my burdens are lifted. I praise Him in the storm because I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Tammy Garcia, Del Rio, Texas

When I feel down, really down, I look to Jesus Christ. I trust Him, especially when I take a deep breath, sometimes with tears in my eyes. I proceed in faith, because I’ve learned to trust the message of Hebrews 11:6.
C. J. Hobbs, Atlanta, Georgia

I have a short, 10-minute pity party, then I count my blessings, praise God, thank Jesus, get myself up, and get going.
Bonnie Mastrosimone, via Facebook

I listen to encouraging Christian music and recite Romans 8:28.
Meluleki Ncube, South Africa

I talk to the Lord in prayer. Sometimes I need someone to talk to, someone with whom I can share my thoughts. Then I am free.
Jeremiah Okioi, Dubai

I file a whiners’ complaint form and demand hugs, therapy dogs, a blankie, and a box of chocolates.
Darla Peterson, via Facebook

When I feel down, the Word, a song, or prayer rejuvenates me. Psalm 42:11 says, “Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? Hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God” (KJV).
Shannon Robinson-Pitkin, Jamaica

When I’m beat down by life, I listen to a wonderful praise and worship Internet station that plays music that reminds me who I am to Jesus and who He is to me. After just a few songs I am strengthened and remember that the daily difficulties that try to smack me around can’t win.
Claudia Rutherford, Asheboro, North Carolina

I sing hymns. Sometimes the Holy Spirit brings a hymn to mind that seems amazingly apropos for my need at the moment. I also lean on the loyal love and counsel of my spouse and children. And, always, I pray.
David Taylor, Redlands, California

I usually do three things whenever I feel down: pray, sing Christian songs, and read the Bible. When I pray, I love to recall the blessings God has bestowed on me. I also love reading His promises aloud, and singing songs to cheer me up.
Abigail Remo, Iligan City, Philippines

I try to be with someone who makes me laugh. Sometimes I just need to watch a sad movie, cry, and get it out of my system.
Susan Robert, Modesto, California

Whenever trials come my way, I am certain I will overcome for two reasons: First, I have Jesus in my life. I just surrender to Him all my transgressions and pain, and all these fade away. Second, I have a support system—my family—on whom I depend, and who love me unconditionally.
Jaz Serato, Bacoor City, Philippines