Last time I talked about the real evil of depression, that it’s anger and rage turned inward. And I talked in a broad overview about ways to check your depression and help pull out of it. Today, I want to provide some quick tips that work for me.
1. Do a small act that you enjoy. Do you have a pet? Go pet your cat or dog. Take the dog for the walk. Watch your hamster or gerbil run around in its cage, or watch a parrot devour a favorite meal. (Or watch your lizard eat his bugs. You can even hum jaws music under your breath.) Some of my most blessed moments are when I’m feeling very down and my former feral cat is cuddled up and purring in my lap. This innocent act of trust always makes me smile.
2. Do something nice for yourself. Use a favorite perfume, or even smell something like lavender that you enjoy. If you like hot showers, go take one. If wearing your red, fuzzy sweater is your favorite thing to do, then go put it on. Do something to take care of you.
3. Call a friend or family member. Just hearing another voice can lift your spirits, and if it’s someone who loves you and who cares about you, then that person will work to help you feel better too.
4. Don’t censor your emotions. Do you want to cry? Then do it. Bottling up those emotions inside only hurts you, and letting them out can create space for serenity and joy.
5. Do something nice for someone else. Okay, I’m very guilty of taking care of everyone to the exclusion of myself, but if you’re feeling down, doing something that makes someone else smile can make you smile too.
We’re entering the time of year when depression can take hold, so I hope you find these tips helpful. They work for me.
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