If you’ve been feeling down lately, it’s important to find ways to deal with bouts of depression. Depending on the degree of depression you’re experiencing, and what form depression takes in your life, you may need to try different self-care solutions before you find something that helps. Since different methods work for different people, don’t be downcast if some self-or lifestyle changes don’t seem to help. There may be other things you can try that really will lift your spirits.
The vicious cycle of depression.
One way depression can get a person down is it can make it harder to do the things you know will help. Because you’re feeling unmotivated, apathetic, or even hopeless, it’s hard to get motivated to make changes or try different activities. You may have a theoretical awareness that doing something like taking a walk, or eating a healthy meal, will make you feel better. You may have repeatedly experienced the benefit of doing these things. But your depression just keeps holding you back. It can be hard to get that motivation when you’re already feeling blah, but chances are, if you can do it, you’ll find that it helps.
Care for your physical health.
When you’re feeling down it may be harder for you to do things like eat well and exercise. But physical well-being can help alleviate depression symptoms. One of the easiest and most important things you can do to protect your bodily well-being is to stay hydrated. Always keep a water bottle handy or set a timer on your phone reminding you to go drink a hydrating beverage. Better hydration will help with cardiovascular health, the appearance of your skin, and with overall brain functioning. As well as hydrating well, you also should be sure to have nutritious meals, filled with fiber, greens, and good fats. Avoid eating too much sugar, and make sure you get some exercise in.
Some tips for staying motivated.
When getting out and doing the things that will make a positive difference feels extra hard, it can help if you set up your routine to make it as easy as possible to fit good healthy choices into your day. For instance, buy some fruit or vegetable trays so when you need to snack, there’s a nutritious option readily available. When it comes to exercise, don’t feel you have to force yourself to do workouts that feel like a drag. Find an exercise you enjoy, whatever that may be: hiking in nature, lifting weights, cardio dance, or kickboxing – there are many viable ways to exercise and one is sure to suit your preferences. Also, keep your workouts pleasant by clearing a clean and well-lighted space where you can move freely, And make sure you have comfortable workout clothing, like attractive yoga pants or dance sweats, and good-quality sports bras without uncomfortable underwire.
Mental health practices to try.
You can’t always control how you feel, which is why depression is so hard to deal with. But you can still work on habits and thought patterns that may be helpful for you. Try to focus on the positive in your life, even when your thoughts want to go down roads to the negative. For some people, meditation and mindfulness can help with certain mental wellness issues, especially as these practices can actually alter how the brain functions. Mindful practices that can help you manage depression include mindful breathing exercises, journaling, and sensory exercises that involve listening to your favorite music through a set of good headphones. Also, you can also seek out the holistic techniques offered by Path to Hope Counseling. And keep your connections open with people in your life who are supportive and empathetic.
Get creative.
Some people may find it soothing to listen to music, or even to try playing music, if you have access to an instrument like a guitar or piano. Others may find it helps to do something artistic like painting or sculpture or even to color in adult coloring books. Another thing that could help is to do some creative writing about how you are feeling.
There are many different alternatives out there for dealing with depression. So even though you may feel like it’s futile, remember that those feelings are not telling you the truth. You can feel better. But you may need to explore a little before finding methods that alleviate your symptoms and lift your mood. Help for depression is available, if you need help managing you can reach out to Path to Hope Counseling at 984-500-2021 for a free 20 minute consultation.
