Today I have another wonderful guest post to share with you! Today’s post is brought to you by Dominique who blogs at Under The Eclipse. Do you struggle with depression? Dominique has created this list of 5 things you can do when you are feeling depressed!
Enough from me, let’s turn it over to Dominique!
Five Things to Do When You’re Feeling Depressed
I’m sure that all of us have encountered those days when we feel our lowest: things that once made us happy no longer excite us, just getting up and moving around begins to feel like a trivial task, and finding inspiration begins to feel draining. When dealing with depression, it isn’t just “One of those days,” – it is almost as if you are being followed by a black cloud. Nothing ever seems to go just right. Well, luckily for us there are ways to make depression more manageable– and one of the ways to do this is by motivating yourself. Here are five quick things you can do to help you ease out of your depression and onto a much happier path.
Keep a Goal Sheet
Keeping track of the things you’d like to pursue in life can be extremely helpful when dealing with depression. Depression can often feel as if you no longer wish to reach goals, or, can often drain you of any energy you may have had to complete those goals. But creating a goal sheet and making sure you are able to stick to them really makes a huge difference. Starting small is key and helps you work your way up to bigger goals. For example: One of my goals was to begin at a smaller college and transfer into a University. By allowing myself to begin at a smaller college, I have alleviated some financial stresses which could ultimately help improve my depression. Less stress, less to worry about!
Treat Yourself
For as long as I could remember, my cure for a bad day includes: hot bath’s with lush bath bombs, facial masks with hot tea – along with painting my nails. There are times where I’ve been so depressed that I found myself not being able to do things that I’d normally be excited for. Doing my hair felt like a chore, and even picking out an outfit seemed to drain me. When you force yourself to continue to do things to keep yourself feeling great on the outside, it will in turn help with your stresses on the inside.
Spend Time with Positive People
It’s draining enough to deal with any sort of mental illness, but its way tougher to deal with when you’re surrounded by negative influences. If you are associated with negative, toxic, people – it’s best to let them go in your own way. Negative influences only result in further damage and could be detrimental in the long run. When you connect with positive people, whether virtually – or in person, creating those bonds and indulging in happy memories really make for a great advancement in improving one’s depression.
Read a Book
Last but not least, read a book! Reading can often sweep you off into your own world, and engage your mind. Self-help books, and mystery novels have always proved to be my favorites – but when you’re down, sometimes a little romance novel can get you back into the swing of things.
Workout
It is said that sweat heals the soul. When you’re working out, your body releases something we call endorphins. Not only do they create a great sense of self, but endorphins also trigger a positive feeling in the body, similar to that of morphine. If you set aside just a few moments a day to exercise, it truly does make a difference. One of my favorite ways to start my day is with Adriene’s Yoga Camp. It’s a great way to start off the New Year, it’s free, and you can do it from home!
Ultimately, distraction is key. Don’t give into depression. Depression serves its purpose by making you feel inadequate and inferior. Fight back, and gain back your passion by doing the things you love. I hope this served some purpose to help anyone out there who may be experiencing issues with depression.
What helps you to manage your depression?
Guest Bio:
Dominique is a twenty-three year old journalism student with a lust for life. As a thriving fashion enthusiast, Dominique created Under The Eclipse as a way to share her passion amongst the masses. To follow her journey of travel, adventure and style, stay tuned here for more updates.
I don’t really battle depression, but these are all great tips for those that do. I especially like the tip about finding positive friends to hang out with.
These are great tips! I always thinking working out really kicks the blues. And spending time with positive people in general makes your mood better. Other people really have a large impact on your world.
I have learned the power of surrounding myself with positive people. I have to make sure that I was around people with good energy. I don’t want them putting their mess on me.
Great tips.
Working out is my #1 thing. It’s like my therapy. Even 38 weeks pregnant, I’m still working out, if only for my mental health!
These are great tips for anyone battling depression. Working out always makes me feel better when I am stressed or having a bad day.
Though I am not battling depression I think these tips are still handy in everyday life. such a lovely guest post
These are great tips for those battling the blues. However, I still think someone going through severe depression should not feel ashamed about reaching out to someone to talk to.
These are great points. I can definitely see how working out would help with depression. I always feel amazing after a good workout.
These are great tips! For me, working out and reading are my favorite ways to destress and beat down the winter blues.
I have never really struggled with any type of depression. i was very sad when we were going through fertility issues, but I try to remain upbeat.
I like to turn on positive music and read positive books! I also have to only be around positive people whether I am depressed or not!
These are really great tips! Working out is great way to get better feeling in depression!!
This is a wonderful list you have compiled and I certainly have done a few of them when times were blue. One that also works is watching a funny movie or series…helps to keep mind off things.
I have felt a little blue this year because I’m a huge Dallas Cowboys fan lol. I think a workout is a great way to feel better.
I have never had any problems with depression, but sometimes my husband gets the blues. I will keep these in mind to give him ideas when he needs to get through it.
It is true that when you are depressed reading a book can help. I like to be transported to another time or place through reading.
These are all great tips! I also love listening to music. Putting on a playlist of my favorite songs and blasting them while singing along always picks up my mood.