5 things I started doing to help fight my depression
What a past couple of weeks! I have been constantly tired. Feeling like I was just barely haning on.
It didn't help that my depression had begun to rear its ugly head on a daily basis! It truly felt like there was a giant weighted cloud on my gut every time I tried to get out of bed. My psychiatrist said that I should get some sunlight; however, there has not been any sun where I live for weeks. In fact, this past week was FINALLY the last snow of the year (hopefully). When I tell y'all that I am so tired of snow, you have no idea. I don't think I will ever wish for a snow day, a white Christmas, hell, I don't even want to go skiing. If y'all couldn't tell, me and snow are having a love hate relationship right now. I mean seriously, it is April someone explains to me why it is still snowing.
Anyway, I am just trying to paint you a picture with how terrible and gloomy it has been outside and how that has really hindered me getting sunlight. But, alas the sun is here. I can even slowly feel my mood begin to slightly lift every morning when I notice the sunlight through the binds. But that did not magically make my extreme depressive episode just disappear.
In fact, I have been having to work extra hard to get over my current depressive state and be able to function. It is the end of the semester, which means I have quite a few deadlines. So with deadlines, I must be able to complete the task; meaning, a depressed Joy is not a productive Joy. So I had to think of ways that would help with my personal depression and mood and so I hope these 5 things help you as well. (outside of going to therapy)
1) Don't Sleep with your phone next to your bed.
This actually started by accident because I couldn't find my charger one night so I had to put it on the charger that was attached to my lamp in the office. That night, I realized that I did not wake up as often and when I did it was just to use the bathroom and I didn't wind up spending hours on my phone trying to fall back asleep.
I do not think we realize how "lost" we can get through scrolling twitter and how much it can keep you up. By doing this I also saw that I woke up with a little bit more rest. And also, the first thing I did was go to the bathroom instead of laying on my phone for another couple of minutes reading social media
2) Have a face wash routine
know this sounds weird, I mean you're supposed to wash your face (I hope you all do). However, I have begun to do a routine (almost) every morning and night. There is something about the water and the suds hitting my face. It is like a mini-spa. I have found really good products for dirt cheap from TjMaxxx. I have purchased masks, coffee scrubs, and African Soap. I do different routines on different days. It is my little time to treat myself. A home spa that also helps my skin not look like a pre-teen who is going through puberty.
3) Not responding to messages right away
I used to respond to every text message as they came in and I began to realize that I wasn't living, I was just waiting for the next message to come in so I could respond. It was something about feeling important because folks were talking to me; however, constantly responding did not allow me to gather my thoughts. I was applying some sense of urgency to every message that came in when it wasn't necessary. It helps to let messages sit there and respond when I am free really has lessened the pressure that I was applying to myself to be responsive and present for folks that I was not being present for myself.
4) Have a great playlist
I know this sounds cliche, but it definitely helps. As much as I love some good rap, neo-soul, and Adele; these types of songs often times put me in a melancholy mood. Further making me more depressed and thinking about fake sad situations that I have made up in my head. So I now listen to something uplifting. Whether it be gospel or otherwise, having a good playlist--especially in the mornings--really helps keeps me going and in good spirits.
5) Find you a good tea
I still drink my coffee; however, I have found me a good loose leaf tea. It has less caffeine. Having something warm to drink before bed also helps me to fall asleep. I also feel like a full adult when I get to use my tea kettle. I do not put any sugar in it and just add honey. Less sugar than drinking Hot chocolate (although that is good on cold winter nights).
These things are just a few things that I have implemented into my life to slowly help with depression. I still do what the doctor prescribes and take my medicine. But my goal is not to be on medication my whole life and that is why I have tried to do things for myself that are simple yet helpful.
let me know some of the ways you try to help cope with your depression at home.
