There are some days when I can’t get out my funk.
Melancholy :: Moody :: Funky
{If you think that you have depression and you have not sought medical assistance then I cannot stress enough the importance of doing so. Read this page first and please, seek help to get yourself better.}
When depression strikes again I have a small arsenal of weapons to fight it. But, first and foremost, I am always, ALWAYS kind to myself. You cannot beat yourself up about being low. It will make you lower.
Here are six ways that I beat the blues:
1. Cry : Go on, let it all out. Crying is acknowledgement that you feel down. Once you can acknowledge that you are sad then you can work on getting happy again. Plus the action of crying means you have to stop for a bit, gather your thoughts and work out how to move forward. So, have a good cry and hug it out.
2. Look after yourself : I have drummed this home time and time again but you must look after yourself. Sure, if you want to eat a whole block of chocolate whilst crying on the couch then by all means go for it. But the next day you need to look after yourself again. So eat well, exercise + get some sleep. {I am aware that these links are how I manage anxiety but they work equally well with managing depression.}
3. Get your game face on : Even if you plan on staying indoors all day, get up, make your bed, have a shower and get your game face on. If you schlep around in your trackies with hair like a woolly mammoth then of course you are going to feel shite. Make an effort and it will translate to an improvement in your mood. I promise…and even if you just try, the distraction will be nice.
4. Write a done list : This is the opposite of a to do list. This is where you write down all the things you have actually done from a load of washing to making your bed to getting dressed or making dinner. If we focus on all the things that we have done rather than the overwhelm of what we haven’t done then all of a sudden that glass is half full. It is all about perspective.
5. Be grateful : I have a gratitude journal. It is great for perspective {again with that p word} and makes you really search for loveliness. Writing in a gratitude journal or practising the art of being grateful is even more important when you are feeling your worst. Recently, I came across the concept of a reverse bucket list where you write down all the awesome things you have done in your life instead of all the things you are lusting after. Again, great for perspective.
6. Get outside and get social : The fresh air + vitamin D will do wonders for your headspace plus the connection with friends, family or your local community will also boost your happiness. Find a local charity to connect with. Have a coffee with a friend. Stay connected.
What do you do when you feel down in the dumps?
colourmeanna 