What is your biggest fear? If you had to write down something that makes every fiber in your body cringe, what would it be?

Death? Losing a family member? Public speaking? Not being successful? Having every contact in your phone deleted?

Want to know mine? My biggest fear is depression. Why? Because I can see how hateful the world becomes when people are depressed and no one does anything to help each other out. If I'm going to live on this planet for 70+ years, then I am going to do everything in my power to make it the best 70+ years ever.

I'm not depressed. And to be honest, I don't think I've ever battled depression. Thank the Lord. I've had a season where life was tough and every day felt like a new rollercoaster ride that I didn't sign up for. But even during that rough patch, I can't pinpoint it to depression.

I have days where I wake up on the wrong side of the bed, but I always try to find a way to beat it. Some days I can, others I can't. But if you are feeling a case of the blues, here are my personal tips.

1. Call a Family Member

I understand that talking on the phone isn't everyone's forte. It's easier to exchange a few texts and call it a day. But I find that my problems are minuscule when I speak them aloud. My favorite person to talk on the phone with is my grandma. She's going to feel famous now that her name is on the internet. At 84 years old, I hear everything from the record number of closets she's cleaned out to how thankful she is to be given the life she has. She doesn't sleep at night unless she's done something for someone else. And how can anyone have the blues after hearing that?

2. Sign up for a race.

If you've never run before, sign up for a "1 Mile Fun Run" and train to run the entire race. If you are up for a challenge, go the 5k route and train to run the entire distance without walking. The first race I trained for was a 5k, and I remember jumping up and down after running 2 miles without stopping. It was freeing to complete something that I thought was an unrealistic goal. Now, I've completed a number of 5k's, a 10k, 15k, and half marathon. My biggest takeaway from every race is how much my appreciation grows for my body. And if you don't love yourself then it's hard to convince other people to.

3. Make weekend plans for the next month.

I realize that I am more productive with deadlines. I am also more productive when I have something to look forward to every weekend. If you're like this, here's a tip! When someone says let's hang out, make plans! Fill your weekend with at least one gathering. It could be trying out a new restaurant or attending a painting and wine class. It's easy to get in your own head when no one is around, so asking a friend to come with is sure to uplift your mood.

4. Write a realistic bucket list.

I am not great at planning vacations. I have an issue with being indecisive, so I hate when someone says "Where do you want to go?" Middle child problems. One trick to beat that dreaded question is writing down a bucket list for the year. Instead of writing down "Go to Paris", find activities that don't require saving for an entire year. I search for things to do within a 5-hour radius. I look up festivals, concerts, and places that people always rave about. If planning isn't your thing, try the generic route. For instance, include "Go apple picking in October", "Attend a Saturday Farmer's Market and make a meal with the ingredients", and "Invite friends over for a game night in November".

Essentially the best way to beat the blues is being proactive and knowing what causes the blues. Most people enjoy looking forward to something in order to be their happiest self. What are your favorite ways to beat the blues?