Portia’s Low Key Depression Hacks
Hi Posse, Tonight I’m wearing SJP Stash Unspoken. It’s one of my go-to lighthearted joy rides. The black dog has been circling and I wanted to divert it. Then I started thinking about the things I do to ward off depression. Then I thought maybe you all might like to know them. My mind even threw me a title: Portia’s Low Key Depression Hacks. So on those days when I’m feeling like an archaic anachronism typing out my heart and soul with one finger to a vast and vastly uncaring universe, here are a few little things I do to ease that feeling of empty hopelessness.
These are not new or even my ideas for Depression Hacks. This is a list of some things that I’ve found effective in combating the early signs of my downward spiral over decades of surviving depression. They are not intended to replace medicines or mental health experts advice. Just a few things in my arsenal to ward off the chasm.
If you are suffering here’s a World Help Lines Directory: Find A Helpline. Go on, make someone who has given up their free time feel valuable and needed. Your call may be the one thing they can be happy and fulfilled about having done today.
One thing I’ve learned is that depression is a roller coaster and it’s part of my life. If I can catch it early and redirect my brain mostly it doesn’t spiral out of control.
Portia’s Low Key Depression Hacks
- Brush my teeth, the full job. Floss, mouthwash and brushing.
- Get dressed into leave the house clothes and take a walk. With dogs or without. The rhythm of my feet moving, my elevated heart rate and a little of whatever weather there is can profoundly lighten my mood.
- Get a little sunshine on my face. I can even do it from the north facing living room balcony.
- Empty all the bins in the apartment and throw it all in the big garage bin.
- Spritz perfume. A new one is best because the ride is unexpected. Go lie down and float away on the fragrance. Always best to set an alarm so you don’t sleep right through.
- Make a sandwich. Eat it. I have two favourites but almost anything will do. Onion and tomato with heavy butter, salt and pepper. Sliced ham and salad with butter, hot English mustard and mayonnaise. There’s something so positive about feeding myself healthy.
- Text or call a friend. Don’t even talk about you, ask them about their day. Listen.
- Go through a drawer and pick a couple of things for the goodwill store. Drop them there.
- Plan an adventure. Doesn’t have to be expensive, far or important. It just has to be outside your normal parameters and safe.
- I really love to watch a train go over a bridge. Big, small, urban or countryside. It’s not even the stupid train going over a bridge that brings me the joy really. It’s me laughing at how stupid a thing brings me such a sparkling rush of joy. Find the everyday, simple thing that brings you a pop of levity.
Tell us all some things that help you wipe away the blues?
Portia xx
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