CV this is a very valuable point that you raise. There's a book you are no doubt aware of called "Feeling Good" by David Burns. Long ago I read a portion of it where he described his work with a patient of his who reported that she felt better if she did something, and it didn't seem to matter what. Anything, no matter how humble a task. I can confirm this experience myself when years ago I was so depressed I was thinking of exactly how I would kill myself, and while I was planning it I realized the dishes needed to be done. So like an automaton I moved over to the sink and began the task. As I worked on the dishes I began to feel better and better. Eventually I felt pretty good!

Reminds me of a quote from Thicht Nhat Hanh: "Joy and happiness are born of concentration."