7 Self-Care Practices that Saved Me

Depression is hard. And it’s hard work to get out of it. By no means will doing face masks and drinking lemon water pull you out of a clinical depression. You may need the help of a counselor. But here are some things that I did that helped me to get through my down times and maybe could help you too if you’re going through a tough time.

1- Make-up

I’m a makeup fanatic, I enjoy trying new looks and products. So in the midst of depression making up my face made me feel like I could face the world. Whatever makes you feel confident or pretty. Do it and do it a lot. Even when you don’t feel like it.

2- Journaling

I’ve always been a journaler but when I was two embarrassed to share with others what was going on with me, I could write in a journal and no one would ever know.

3- Gospel Music Mornings

Music is powerful and what moved me most in my darkest times is connection to God. I started my morning with uplifting music and it changed the outlook of my day

4- Standing on the sun

More than just a great Beyoncé song. If it was nice out sometimes I’d just go sit outside in the sun. Sometimes I’d write, sometimes cry, or just sit and contemplate life. Plus research says that sunlight exposure/Vitamin D helps depressive symptoms. So if you’re having a dark moment, and if you can, sit in the sun.

5- Podcasts

Or any form of entertainment to you that gets you out of your head and into what other people are talking about/doing. When you’re depressed, you can tend to ruminate (going over and over the same thing in your head) which makes you more depressed. Focusing your attention on other interesting things can not only help distract you from those negative thoughts, but also be a reminder that other people are out there maybe experiencing the same things you are. Not so lonely.

6- Be messy. Or be clean

There were times where I just had to let my space go, and not judge myself for it. If cleaning and organizing makes you feel good then do that. Sometimes can be a major achievement just to clean something up that you’ve been meaning to do for weeks. But if you don’t, don’t be down on yourself for not doing it. Its ok.

7- Daily Self-Affirmations

Each day I wrote a sticky note and put it on my mirror of something I liked or appreciated about myself. Or something that I was grateful for. No matter how small. I certainly fell off from doing this a number of times. But at the end of the week, I had a mirror full of positive things looking back at me and that helped me to shift my focus.

What do you do to get yourself out of a funk? What helps? Share it!! Comment below

#selfcare #depression