When you have depression, it can seem like your life is over. You don’t want to go anywhere, and you don’t want to do anything. It seems that no one understands what you’re really going through, and that no one cares. However, depression is something you can handle. Here are some ways to lift yourself out of the depression you’re feeling.
How to Lift Yourself Out of a Depression
1. Set realistic goals for yourself every day. You may not want to leave your bed, and it might take all of your energy to get yourself to work everyday. However, set goals for yourself to accomplish. Make the goals simple; for example, a goal of cooking a homecooked meal and washing the dishes might be a good one. When you are able to conquer these minor goals, you can take on bigger ones.
2. Shower and take care of your personal hygiene. A lot of people who have depression simply lack the energy to do these things sometimes. Make a point of showering and styling your hair every day, and you will discover how much better it feels to go through your day when you have cared for yourself.
3. Get out of your house. The favorite location of the depressed person is their home. It is comfortable and they do not have to deal with anyone else. However, staying at home allows you to fundamentally “stew in your own juices”. Even if it is just a few times a week, take an effort to try something new or to do activities you enjoy. Don’t stay locked away in your house; your life is going by!
Don’t Let Depression Take Over Your Life
4. Don’t make serious decisions by yourself if you can help it. When you are feeling depressed, it can be hard to make big decisions. If you can help it, try waiting for your personal circumstances to turn around. Depression can hang over your life, and cause you to see things in a way you may not otherwise. Not only that, it can make you less able to handle the ramifications of anything that happens as a result of your decision-making.
5. Try gratitude. When you are depressed, everything seems bleak. However, it may be a matter of perspective. Every day, look for 5 things that you are grateful for, or things that are going well in your life. If you can’t think of five things, start with one.
6. Make sure you get enough sleep. You may feel sleeping is a luxury for people who don’t have much to do, but you are wrong. Sleeping is as important as eating well and taking care of yourself. If you don’t have the proper sleep, you will not be able to handle stress appropriately, and not and what is more, you will be less likely to be able to perceive stress in a good way. Make sure you get about 7 to 8 hours of sleep every night.
Depression can be hard to live with, but if you take the time to apply these tips to your life, you may soon see light at the end of the tunnel.