Nine Self-Care Activities to Help with Depression
Perhaps the most common question I hear from my clients struggling with depression is, “Where do I even start? How can I get better without risking being more hurt than I already am?” I really empathize with feeling trapped, wounded, and alone in the world. My early twenties was the most difficult time in my life because I felt lost and abandoned by people that I thought would have always been there for me. Below are several self-care activities that I believe may help uplift you during this very challenging and difficult time in your life.
#1: Sleep, Hygiene, and Exercise
Let’s get the obvious one out of the way; Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, practicing daily hygiene, and exercises on a regular basis is likely to improve your overall mental state. Activities such as jogging and Pilates will release feel-good endorphins to your brain, thus heightening your sense of well-being. If intense exercising feels like it’s too much right now, consider more spiritual activities such as meditation or a walk in the park.
#2: Read a New Book
When everything starts to feel redundant, it’s time to shake things up and find a new perspective. Books have a way of helping us see the world from a new angle. Whether it be wanting to learn what it’s like to be President of the United States, or how it would feel to be transported to another world, books have the power to take us to new, exciting places and consider new worldviews from the comfort of our own homes.
#3: Journal
Sometimes I just need to word vomit my thoughts in order to better understand what I’m feeling. Journaling is an excellent way to learn more about yourself and your personal needs. Perhaps you’re lashing out at people at work but you’re not quite sure why. Or you’re upset because that cute girl that you went on a date with didn’t call you back even though you thought you did everything right. Journaling can bring us new insights and closures into situations that currently don’t seem to make sense.
#4: Spending Time with Friends and Family
This one is tricky because it can be a double-edged sword; On the one hand, it’s nice to spend time with people who you care about and enjoy being around. But on the other hand, those feelings of elation and joy often disappear once you return home and recognize that you’re back to being alone and feeling down and hopeless. Still, there is no denying that having quality time with the people who are most important to you can bring some relief and comfort, even if it may only be temporary. And it’s always nice to be reminded that there are people out there who truly care about you.
#5: Pick Up a New Hobby
I get it. You love watching The Office because it’s hilarious and you just need a laugh after a rough day. But maybe it’s time to test out that hobby that you’ve always been interested in. Maybe you want to practice photography or learn how to bake or play that new video game that everyone’s been talking about. (I still need to get around to playing Elden Ring.) There are dozens of new hobbies to pick up and try out. If one of them doesn’t work, there’s always another to try out tomorrow. And Michael Scott and the gang will still be waiting whenever you want to see them again.
#6: Take a Class
Have you ever considered what it would be like to be a computer programmer or a fantasy author? Well now, here’s your chance. Many colleges offer exciting elective classes that don’t require years of commitment. Take a chance and sign up for class in something that interests you. It’s a great way to have some fun, meet some new people, broaden your horizons, acquire new knowledge, and maybe test out what it would be like to work in a different career field. Who knows? Maybe that creative writing course will lead to you publishing an exciting new novel.
#7: Volunteer
A common complaint that I hear from depressed clients feeling stuck is that they don’t feel like their lives have a sense of purpose. I can definitely relate. Big corporations are squeezing their employees dry by working them to death without providing any sort of recognition or praise. It’s no wonder that so many people feel that their lives have no meaning. But that doesn’t have to be you. There are plenty of places in your community that would love to have your support. Whether it be aiding dogs at the local shelter, or tutoring children at the elementary school down the street, volunteer work can be a great way to give back to people in need. Becoming part of a larger community of people who value and appreciate you can help mitigate some of those feelings of loss and isolation.
#8: Setting Boundaries
Sometimes relationships can feel overwhelming. Perhaps your family wants you to spend your Saturday driving to Houston and spending time with your obscure relative that you barely know. Or maybe your partner is asking you to take care of her friend’s cat that you’re allergic to. When people are testing your boundaries and making you feel uncomfortable, it’s okay to push back. You can say no. Overcoming depression requires for you to put yourself first above everything and everyone else, even if that means some people might be angry at you for not catering to their every whim. It’s time to start taking care of yourself.
#9: Reach Out to a Therapist
Picking up a new hobby, spending time with friends and family, and setting boundaries will likely only get you so far in battling your depression. When you feel like you’ve hit a wall that’s impossible to overcome, it’s time to consider reaching out to a professional for help.
I have extensive PhD-level training in helping individuals overcome feelings of depression and start living life once again. I will teach you how to come out on the other side feeling confident and self-assured that you will be able to handle any obstacle that life throws at you.
Click on the link below to schedule a free 15-minute consultation so we can talk more about what you need and how I can help.