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Entity advises on how to get out of bed when you're depressed.

We’ve all been there: it’s 6 a.m., your alarm is blaring and you just can’t get out of bed. Even though the coffee is brewing, no amount of caffeine can bribe you to get to work on time.

Or maybe it’s 2 p.m. on a Saturday: the sun is shining and your friends invite you to a pool party…but you can’t muster up the energy to do anything but click “Continue Playing” on Netflix. On afternoons like these, crawling out of bed can feel like climbing a mountain.

Whether you’re dealing with chronic depression or just have a case of the Monday morning blues, here are five ways to roll yourself out of bed when you’re feeling down.

1 Adopt a creature.

Entity shares five tricks to help you get out of bed, whether you have chronic depression or the Monday blues.

A cat, dog, stray opossum … doesn’t matter. Furry friends will act as an encouragement to tackle the day. They’ll cry, bark and jump all over that cozy bed if it’s time to get up. While their efforts may be a bit self-centered (a plea for food, perhaps), taking care of your cuddle buddy will help you take care of yourself.

In fact, a recent survey of pet-owners in 11 countries found that people with pets report feeling happier and less stressed. Other research has even found that pets can increase men and women’s self esteem and personal fitness, and make people more outgoing and healthy overall.  Apparently the old saying, “Dogs are a (wo)man’s best friend” isn’t that far off the mark.

Entity shares five tricks to help you get out of bed, whether you have chronic depression or the Monday blues.

READ MORE: 5 Reasons Trading in Your Therapist for a Dog May Be a Smart Move

2 Turn up for Karaoke.

Forget your Keurig and power on your Karaoke machine. Sure, busting out Hannah Montana’s “Life’s What You Make It” may seem silly, but singing has been linked with happiness. The tunes will likely perk you up, even if it’s just from laughing at yourself. Just be sure you live alone or with really chill roomies – hey, maybe they’ll want to harmonize!

READ MORE: How Voice Lessons Can Improve Your Car-aoke

3 Role-play out the door.

Entity shares five tricks to help you get out of bed, whether you have chronic depression or the Monday blues.

Don’t wanna face your day? Try the outside world as someone else instead. Pretend you’re a character in a book on your nightstand (or your favorite movie or Netflix show) and tackle the day with that mindset. While you’ll probably have to lose the act once you get to work or school, being someone else for a bit may help get you there.

A few writers on Reddit have some even more positive news about role-playing: “I know you feel like ‘They’re this amazing strong person and I’m [not],’ but at some point I had to dig myself out of that hole,” writes violetpills1. “What helped [me] immensely was realizing that the reason I was good at being that character was, despite the massive superficial difference, inside I was actually a lot like them.”

Sure, maybe you’re not actually James Bond or Beyonce. But that doesn’t mean you aren’t similarly brave, daring, fierce or fabulous!

READ MORE: ‘Firefly’ and 7 Other Shows Netflix Needs to Remake

4 Get the most (joy) out of your technology.

Entity shares five tricks to help you get out of bed, whether you have chronic depression or the Monday blues.

Instead of seeing your phone as a threat (i.e. annoying alarm clock), use it as a weapon to fight a crummy mood.

Although some studies have tied technology use to depression and anxiety, more and more research is exploring how digital devices can give you your smile back. For instance, some companies are giving their employees access to a myStrength program, which features cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness practices. It can also help connect people with similar struggles. In a study, those who used this program showed a 55 percent reduction in depression scores compared to the control group’s 22 percent.

You don’t have to use some fancy program to feel better, either. Scroll through funny memes or puppy videos on Instagram to crack a smile when you’re glued to your pillows. Not enough? Download apps, such as Happify, that feature activities and games scientifically shown to help you take control of your feelings. You can even follow Happify on Twitter for a flow of positive vibes and #happyquotes in your feed.

Entity shares five tricks to help you get out of bed, whether you have chronic depression or the Monday blues.

Entity shares five tricks to help you get out of bed, whether you have chronic depression or the Monday blues.

READ MORE: Improve Your Mind With These 6 Apps

5 Use a lifeline …

If all else fails, phone a friend! Studies have found that being surrounded by happy friends can cut people’s chances of developing depression in half and, or if they’re already depressed, double the likelihood of recovering. You shouldn’t worry about dragging people down, either. That same study also found that “depression doesn’t spread, but a healthy mood actually does.”

The truth is, espresso shots are great and all, but sometimes the extra boost we need comes from the energy of those around us. Don’t be afraid to ask for a hand to roll out of bed – we’re with ya, sister.

Edited by Ellena Kilgallon
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