Revive Your Spirit
EXPLORE, CREATE, RECLAIM.
Navigating Depression:
Small Steps to Brighter Days
Taking a step forward, even a small one, can be crucial when dealing with depression. I’m not referring to those rock-bottom days when even getting out of bed feels monumental. On those days, simply changing into fresh clothes or taking a shower is a major win! If you are having one of those days, I would recommend trying out self-care techniques and to focus on your mindset.
Let’s focus on those days when you’ve got energy but lack inspiration. It’s about doing something that, by the end of the day, makes you feel accomplished. That sense of fulfilment can be a springboard to better days ahead.
Keep in mind, this is the perspective of an introvert, so while I won’t push you to engage socially, if that’s something that helps you, it’s definitely worth considering.
Otherwise, here’s what I’m suggesting:
Engage Your Hands
Immersing yourself in hands-on activities can help you be in the present moment. It’s not just about the end result; it’s the journey, the creative process itself, that is therapeutic.
It’s important that what you decide to do is not something that you need to do (like housework or repairs), but something you want to do.
Find something that captivates you. The key is engaging your hands to allow yourself to lose track of time and find serenity in the act itself.
Personally, I started sewing at 25 and crocheting at 27, and both these activities have been really great to keep my hands and mind busy.
There are a lot of different manual activities, here’s a few:
- Photography,
- Painting,
- Drawing,
- Gardening,
- Wood work,
- Calligraphy,
- DIYs,
- Crochet,
- Sewing,
- Baking,
- Etc…
Exercise Your Mind
There’s an incredible power in exercising your mind. Much like physical health, mental health needs to be trained.
Personally, reading allows me to escape into adventures (I’m a fantasy enthusiast) and stimulates my imagination.
But sometimes, being the creator can be as rewarding as being the spectator of someone else’s creation. It can be extremely rewarding to be the one creating something from scratch. It doesn’t need to be perfect, it just has to be yours.
- Imagine/write a story,
- Compose a poem,
- Journal your thought,
- Create scenarios or plot-lines,
- Write song lyrics,
- Read books or articles,
- Find inspiration for various passions (locations for videos, setups for photography, themes for paintings, new recipes, and more),
- Etc…
These exercises serve as mental workouts, stimulating your creativity and nurturing your mind in different ways. Whether you are the creator or the observer, each activity helps your mind to be more dynamic and flexible.
Nurture Your Body
Experts emphasise the importance of staying active, especially during tough times. Physical activity triggers certain brain chemicals that can make a big difference. Personally I enjoy going on walks more than doing fitness. But it needs to be anything that feels right for you!
Another way to use your body is through singing and dancing. I love singing in the car and I always feel better afterwards, it feels like a good way to release pent up frustrations and feelings. During bad days I love singing to punk rock songs that I can relate to (my most listened to song in 2022 was ‘Popular Monster by Falling In Reverse). And even though I cannot dance for the life of me, I do jump around in the dark with my music playing on my bluetooth speakers in my living room. I urge you to try it out, don’t judge yourself, you don’t even need to try to dance well, just jump, move your arms around. No one can see you and no one can judge you, be yourself!
- Yoga,
- Pilates,
- Fitness,
- Cardio,
- Singing,
- Dancing,
- Outdoor sports (biking, kayaking, hiking, running, etc…),
- Etc…
Be selfless
Sometimes, the motivation to act for ourselves isn’t enough, but dedicating time to help others or a cause can ignite a different spark within you. Volunteering at shelters or cleaning up local parks can bring immense fulfilment. Find an association in your vicinity that could use your help…
There are various ways to contribute, not only through physical presence; administrative tasks, virtual support, or donating unused belongings are equally meaningful. Find an association that calls to you and offer your services, but remember : keep it manageable without adding on to your stress. Sometimes, being selfless can actually be the one thing you need to find purpose.
Be curious
If you’re like me, you may struggle finding what your passion is. I am not sure if I have found mine yet, but I have been on the look out for years, so here’s my advice : try new hobbies until you find the one(s). There’s a saying that goes something like:
“Try 100 things, 99 will fail, but 1 will work”.
It’s okay if not everything clicks; it’s about the journey of exploration, finding that one thing that makes you feel alive. Everything is possible, so be curious, explore and uncover hidden facets of yourself with newfound knowledge and experiences.
If you’re like me, you may struggle finding what your passion is. I am not sure if I have found mine yet, but I have been on the look out for years, so here’s my advice : try new hobbies until you find the one(s). There’s a saying that goes something like:
“Try 100 things, 99 will fail, but 1 will work”.
It’s okay if not everything clicks; it’s about the journey of exploration, finding that one thing that makes you feel alive. Everything is possible, so be curious, explore and uncover hidden facets of yourself with newfound knowledge and experiences.
- Learn a new language,
- Learn how to play an instrument,
- Try a sport,
- Try types of art,
- Learn about a subject of interest (like astronomy, history or cooking),
- Etc…
BONUS
The Transformative Power of Travel
Traveling is the best way to discover and understand yourself.
You can travel close to where you live or in your own country but I would highly recommend traveling abroad. I know that depending on your nationality it can be more difficult to travel, but a lot of countries let you visit for short stays with just a passport.
Travelling can be life changing. It opens your mind; to different cultures, ways of thinking, traditions, landscapes, life-styles and mentalities…
You cannot really know who you are in life without having explored different ways of living. Because when you explore and open your mind to different lifestyles, only then will you know if you’re where you need to be. Just because it is the way you were taught growing up, doesn’t mean it’s the only way.
Depression is your mind’s way of telling you that something in your current life is not working out for you, so go out there and see what needs to change. Even if a country doesn’t resonate with you, it will teach you more about your own desires and needs.
Make a budget, save money any way you can, and once you know how much you can spend, prepare your trip.
Remember, traveling is one of the best investments you can make. Sure, you won’t get any money back from exploring other countries, but the lessons it will teach you are invaluable.