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Five (Real) Self-Care Tips

Because Forcing a Smile Does Nothing

By KristinPublished 5 years ago 3 min read
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Photo by Jacqueline Day on Unsplash

Depression is real. For those of us who struggle with it, it's not something we can just get over. We can't just force a smile and feel better. We can't just cheer up. I hate when someone tells me, "It's going to be okay" or "Just stay positive." It's not that simple, and it's not something you can truly understand unless you experience it for yourself.

You can find articles everywhere about ways to get through depression. You'll read that you should watch a funny movie or write a gratitude list or simply just laugh. For me, it's not that simple. I don't care about laughing and it's hard to come up with things you're grateful when this shadow is constantly covering you.

With that in mind, here are things you should actually do when depressed. You may not feel better when you're done, but they need to be done.

1. Take a Shower

If you're anything like me, showering is one of the biggest struggles when you're depressed. It takes so much energy when you don't have much to begin with. For some, it causes physical pain. For others, you don't see the point because you feel worthless either way. Regardless of your reasons, you need to realize how important hygiene is. Not showering is actually making you feel worse (I know from personal experience).

2. Clean Your House

Even if it's just your room, get it straightened up. Clutter in your living space causes clutter in your mind. It makes you feel worse about yourself and even more stressed. Trust me, when you beat this depression, you'll thank yourself.

3. Go Outside

This is another hard one for me. It's always hard to believe that simply walking out my door can help me feel better, but it's true. Take a short walk or even just stand on your porch for a few minutes. There's just something about sunshine and fresh air. It's the OG of natural medicine.

4. Get Enough Rest

Don't misinterpret what I'm saying here. As someone who struggles with depression, I know the urge to sleep all day is hard to fight. Some people would argue that people with depression get enough sleep and then some. But that's the problem. Getting too much sleep isn't helping you. Go to bed at a decent time, set your alarm, and actually get up when it goes off. I know this is hard, but it's so worth it.

5. Spend Time with People

I have to force myself to spend time with family and friends. Sometimes just the thought of it is too much to handle, but isolating yourself only brings you down more. Don't let that happen.

As I said before, I don't expect this list to automatically make you feel better. There's no way that these five things will bring you out of your depression, but that's not what it's about. This is about doing what's best for you, even when you don't care about yourself. The fact is, I care enough to make sure people know what's important because I know how it feels to live under the shadow of depression. We have to be willing to do whatever it takes to fight through.

self help
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About the Creator

Kristin

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