10 Tips to Escape the Swamps of Depression
Do you feel like you’re drowning in the gross and smelly swamps of depression? If so, delve through my 10 tips to escape the swamps of depression. It’s not impossible to escape!
1. Take It Easy on Yourself
Remember to take it easy on yourself if you’re suffering through a time of depression. You’re not feeling great by any means, so go easy on yourself. It’s okay if you don’t have the energy to do simple tasks. It’s okay if you need to lie in bed for a few hours or maybe the whole day. It’s okay. Take it easy on yourself when needed. The world and your life will still be there when you start to feel better.
2. Take Time for Yourself
If it’s too much for you to appear at social engagements, then don’t force yourself. If you’re introverted and depressed, this feeling is probably even stronger than for a depressed extrovert. Take as much time as you need to recharge your battery until you’re ready for social interaction. You come first, go at your own pace.
3. Practice Yoga
What first attracted me to yoga was hearing that it’s suitable for people with depression and anxiety. I wondered if this would work for me, so I decided to give it a whirl. That was eight years ago, and I’ve been practicing ever since. I couldn’t touch my toes when I started and I was probably awful at other poses.
But, none of that mattered to me because of how practicing it made me feel. After my very first class, I got a gut feeling that on a yoga mat was exactly where I needed to be, and I never left. Well, obviously, I don’t live on my mat. I do still eat, use the bathroom, and some other stuff.
4. Go for a Jog
Maybe you have an aversion to yoga, and you’d rather jog or run. Exercising releases feel-good endorphins. Sweating flushes out toxins. I’d go for jogs, be dripping in sweat, and think of all the B.S. feelings I sweated out.
I found that physical exertion, in general, helped to ease my depression. It was hard for me to feel all dark and depressed after I ran a mile or more. I was too busy reveling in pride.
5. Go for a Walk
Perhaps you were cursing me out in your head when I mentioned going for a jog or run. Walking helps too. You could become one of those power walkers at the mall and maybe wear a sweatband and a windbreaker while doing it.
Or, you could hit up your local park, the beach, or a gentle hike to ponder the meaning of life in the forest. You could also be one of those rebel urban walkers who enjoy walking alongside buildings, cars, and plenty of people. You have all the power to decide the scenery. You are in the driver’s seat! Vroom Vroom b*tches!!!
This little toad made it out of the swamp, so can you! Perhaps this cute little amphibian read these 10 tips to escape the swamps of depression!
6. Aim for a Good Sleep
Who doesn’t feel better when they get a good night’s slumber? The key phrase here was to aim. If you happen to be suffering from insomnia, I know how much that sucks. I struggle with it too! I think a mind too busy with mental chatter is a big culprit of insomnia.
You can calm that chatter. That topic is a whole other aspect of itself. However, it is possible. On a basic level, make sure you set up your room for an ideal sleeping environment. And for the love of God, put your phone away. I know you want to go on binge google searches trying to figure out all your problems!
7. Find The Best Cure For You
Therapy is always an avenue worth exploring.
*This number needed some editing. My bad everyone, I will fix it! Thank you for your patience*
I’m speaking from my experience and what worked for me. I can only hope that perhaps some or all of these reasons will resonate with others so that they, too, can escape from the swamps of depression.
8. Don’t Shut out Loved Ones
It can be easy and tempting to hide from people, especially the ones closest to you when you are depressed. You don’t have to explain to them all the things you are feeling. But if they are genuinely concerned, perhaps you could say something like, “I don’t want to talk about it too much, but I’ve been depressed lately.” If you’d like to talk about it, that works too.
Talking it out usually ends up making people feel better. But you don’t have to. You don’t have to reveal too much information if you don’t want to, but don’t completely shut them out. They love you and want to know why you’re distant. Again, you call the shots here.
9. Watch or Listen to Comedy
Comedy is a beautiful thing. Laughter is priceless. I can think of countless times where I felt like a dumpster in the back of a small-town McDonald’s, and a good laugh immediately flipped around my mindset. I can still laugh despite being depressed? Who knew?! I never really felt mad about that.
You know the type of things that make you crack a smile. Maybe you have a weakness for romantic comedies, stand-up, dark humor, or dare I mention it, The Office! You know what makes you giggle like a little schoolgirl. Don’t forget about these things, and welcome more ridiculousness into your life.
10. Practice Gratitude
Despite being depressed, what are things in your life that make you thankful? Do you love your favorite cardigan or tiny cafes where no one bothers you?
I hope there’s at least one thing that comes to mind! Focus on at least one thing, and I’m sure there’s bound to be a couple more. If you’re reading this, you also possess the gift of life.
You are still taking breaths in the here and now. You still have a chance to break free from this gross swamp of depression and come out on the other side, a happier human.
It’s okay if you’ve been depressed for a while. You’re still a beautiful human being. Start over and look back to tip number one; take it easy on yourself! Also, smile, or don’t. Either way, you have greatness within!
I hope these 10 tips to escape the swamps of depression were helpful! I’m always open to feedback and suggestions!