Just a few tips that helped me...

Try traveling if you can. Doesn't have to be far away or exotic, just get in the car or take the bus somewhere that you have never been before. My melancholy feelings or depression always improve after I have had a new experience. Maybe a trip to the next largest town near you. Wake up early and check out the local farmers market downtown (if you have one) and plan on buying ingredients for that evenings meal, maybe even invite a friend or a relative if you have that option. While you are there, walk around and visit the little shops or park for a bit. Fresh air and walking always make me feel better.

This may sound silly but go to your local library and check out books from well respected psychic mediums like Kim Russo, Theresa Caputo, John Edwards, etc... and see what they have to say about their experiences and gained knowledge of dealing with the after life. You DONT have to believe a single word they write if it conflicts with your faith, but at least you learn about someone else's point of view on the subject. If you are more inclined to new age thinking, research the Akashic Record, soul contracts, the Tibetan Book of the Dead, etc.. If you are more Christian faith oriented, try the Christian mystics like St John of the Cross, or Theresa of Avila. Read the Bible, the Torah, the Quran, etc... Again, it's not about converting or believing--it's about expanding your mind on the subject of the after life to give your mind something new to digest. (I suggest going to the park with a picnic blanket, lunch and getting comfy under a shade tree with a good book and soak up some sun and fresh air, but that's me)

I also feel better by providing a random act of kindness to someone. I'm not just talking about smiling at someone on the train who looks down, but more of actually doing something helpful like helping an elderly person, paying for the persons order behind you in the drive thru, etc.. Or even call a grandparent or parent with some random question that doesn't seem like you are just making an obligatory phone call to keep in touch. Call and ask for a recipe you enjoy, or ask about your family history, or anything. My point here is to not come across as a do-gooder, but to enrich your life by being kind to someone, even if they don't deserve it. My Grandfather always said that unconditional love is the greatest gift you could ever give to someone (and that includes yourself too).

Hobbies are tricky because they are so relative to your own interests, but choose a couple that are indoor hobbies and a couple outdoor hobbies. For example, I bought a beginner digital camera when I was so bad that I wouldn't leave the house for days at a time. Now I travel around locally in my spare time and just experiment with different shots, exposures, etc. Nothing special, just point and shoot whatever; personally I like scenery more than shooting people, just my preference. Then I come back and play with image editing software; it doesn't have to be expensive photoshop. I use Gimp software and it is completely free, and there are hundreds of YouTube tutorials. It's fun and I have something to do outdoors and indoors. Also, you might check out meetup.com if you have not already.

Good luck on your journey--just don't be to hard on yourself.