• Upward counterfactual thinking is linked with depression.
• Downward counterfactual thinkers use their negative feelings as their motivation to become productive and better their current situations.
• Downward counterfactual thinking can improve romantic relationships, although it is commonly associated with women.

Even though counterfactual thinking can be used to motivate us to make better choices we should always keep in mind to focus on the present and the future instead of the past.