To anyone confused by the use of ‘normal’ in psychological terms, it has specific meanings dependant upon context (in much the same way as ‘theory’ has a scientific meaning that's distinct from colloquial usage): “In psychiatry and psychology, denoting a developmentally appropriate level of effective functioning of personality, cognition, and affect that is satisfactory both to people and to their respective social milieu.” (Source: [medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com] )

So all the OP is asking here, from what I gather (and, please, @stinklizard, correct me if I'm wrong), is how people who aren't clinically depressed or otherwise dealing with serious emotional disorders deal with deep sadness and manage it in healthy ways.

To answer for myself, because I tend to live so much inside my head and dwell on myself and my problems, I find it helps to involve myself in outside activities. I don't mean outside as in the outdoors, though that can be invigorating as well and can get me away from the source of my troubles and have a calming effect, but more in terms of doing things outside of my regular routine and getting outside my own head. In particular, it helps me to focus on other people, to assist people who need a helping hand with some task they're struggling with, to formally volunteer, to engage others (especially those who need a friendly ear) in conversation. The more I partake in such activity, the less I'm focused on my own sad life, my own concerns, etc., and, besides that, it helps me to feel useful and accomplished, which is a nice boost to my mood and self esteem. Other things that help, I find, are to get some physical activity (even going for a short walk), taking a class or learning a new skill on my own, attending free or cheap events and exhibits (e.g., a symphony orchestra playing at a local venue, a community theater production, a college exhibit or presentation open to the public).

TL;DR
In other words, here's what helps me:

• helping others / volunteering
• socializing / listening to others
• learning new things / self-improvement
• doing new things / changing my routine
• getting some physical activity

Good luck to you. I hope this helps with the sad times.

Not sure what, in your sense, is this sad. I can empathise, having spent much of my life as a depressive. I even spent a year hospitalized. Thus, I would say, if it is too deep that the many good suggestions being posted here, and I still use many, don't help, then it is time to seek professional help. In the end, my main stressor and "problem" was allowing myself to be in an abusive relationship. Everyone has a different story, a different path, and a different needed outcome. For me, life is now good as I have a handle on and control of my situation. I offer this as hope, knowing feeling sad can be a miserable thing. Try what is offered; I suggest going to talk with someone, even a neo professional; and don't be afraid to seek help. (side note: for full disclosure - if you fear or have heard bad things about psych units, all of that comes with an element of truth. Still, I wish and want for you the best and safest life)

Take a nap.
Take a shit.
Eat something.
Go outside and talk to humans about anything.

You live about 6 miles from me. If you would like to come to my place for Thanksgiving dinner.

NORMAL is only a setting on the dryer. Sadness comes to me when my blood sugar drops . I am a diabetic and have to listen to my body more than to my moods.
My personal remedy is Street fighting Man as loud as the dogs can stand it.
And movement, lots of movement.

You're doing it. Reaching out for help. Good for you. I hope you feel better.

No one is normal.

i don't know any normal people.

g

I drink and from time to time smoke a little bit of weed. It doesn't change my circumstances - I just don't think about it as much.

Different things, that all depends.

i don't really get sad as much as just out of myself, i find it best to stay busy and find something, anything just to find focus in until something that brings me back around . it may take a day. it may take years. usually works out. i hope.

Who the fuck is normal. If they exist, I haven't met them. For this not so normal guy, a little scotch, a little weed, and go out and socialize to get my mind off of myself.

@stinklizard

Why do you feel sad? Can't help you if we don't know what the issue is.

Seasonal Affective Disorder?

Bipolar?

Grieving?

Lonely?

As an abi-normal person, I can say that if I’m sad, I try to identify the reason for the sadness, if not obvious, and usually grieve. Sometimes that means crying, sometimes it means letting my sadness reach a peak. Depending on the deepness of the sadness, the process takes a long time.

Well, you did not say what your sadness was about! Have you lost a loved one, a job, a girl friend or is it the holidays? If it is just plain old depression, get out, where you have contact with people and by all means, take some walks in nature! I am sorry that you are not feeling good, maybe some other people can help...just keep putting your concerns out here and know that you are not alone, a lot of us here, have experienced sadness and depression! I hope you feel like yourself again, real soon!

They analyze the reasons for the sadness and then use that data to figure out how to resolve the problem.

..I couldn’t tell you ~

How sad do you feel & why?

Oh never mind, I'm not normal. But I do hope you start to feel a little better soon.

Find things that bring you joy and make time for them every day. focus on bringing joy to others. Failing that, seek professional mental health assistance. If you are in crisis, call 1-800-273-TALK or text 741-741.
Good luck!