Depression

Depression has been something I've struggles with since I was young and sometimes the depression would win and I'd lay in bed all day. However, as I got older that became less and less of an option if I wanted to keep a roof over my head. The thoughts sometimes still become to much and the things I list below help me get out of a funk. It can be hard to start doing them, to get that motivation to get up but once you do it only gets easier. Just keep telling yourself you can! Because you can even when it seems like the whole world is crushing you.

10. Going for walks: I find going for walks very helpful. It not only gets your body moving but being outside around nature and people can help keep one's mind distracted. If you don't want to go alone ask some of your favorite people to go with you. Or if the idea of walking is to much at this moment just try getting outside and go from there. Just a change of space can help tremendously! I don't go for as many as I like but I hope to start again when the weather gets nice.

9. Do a craft: this doesn't have to be something big and messy. It could be as simple as drawing or colouring. The movement and the distraction can do wonders. If you're not sure what to do visit my craft section! Or simply Google easy crafts.

8. Play a game: I have no shame in admitting that I love dress up games. They're fun and thought consuming! I get to create something while keeping mind distracted. Playing a game can help take your mind off whatever is bugging you, it can also get you up and around people depending on the game you decide to play. Honestly, one of my favorite pass times is playing board games with my family and friends! It always gets me in a good mood and laughing. Games are also good cause they're limitless. You don't need people to play a game. You can play one of your phone or computer, or any other device you have! They're are so many different types too. It may take some looking, but there is something for everyone out there! Y8 or addicting games is a good site to start out on if you have no idea what game to play!

7. Spend time with animals: My babies are one of the main things that get me up and going. If I don't looked after them who will? And they're so innocent they deserve the best life I can give them. They're also so darn cute that sometimes just watching them do them helps me. Honestly, I can't say exactly what is about animals (especially my babies) that make me happy. They're just cute balls of purity that bring me joy.

6. Watch a movie/video you love: This is something that'll help shift your focus from your dark thoughts to lighter ones. Watching something higher energy can also rub off on you and get you in a more willing mood to move. Mainly though its just a good distraction, a good way to get your thoughts moving away from the ones weighing you down.

5. Spend time with someone you trust: Spending time with a trusted person can be one of the most therapeutic things, even if your just sitting in silence. Having a person around that you can talk to if need be is very comforting. I love just cuddling with my boyfriend when I'm in a down mood. It helps me to relax and get away from my negative thoughts.

4. Take a shower: Taking a shower gets you moving, and gets you into a warm relaxing environment. A place where you can let out any emotion you need to in a safe place. You could also try playing music if you find the thoughts are still overwhelming. I find that showers are a good way to not only help relax your mind, but body as. Plus I always feel refreshed and renewed after a shower. They help make me feel ready to face the day.

3. Listen to music (and maybe dance): Listening to music can be a good distraction. Listening to the words can help keep you away from your thoughts, and an upbeat can help lighten your mood. Softer music can also be good in helping you get your emotions out. If you have a song you really connect to it can help you express what your feeling in a constructive way. Once the music helps to lighter your mood it can also help to get your body moving! Dancing can be a good way to express emotion and to get your blood pumping. If you're not one to free dance the I suggest looking up Just Dance videos on YouTube. There are some easier ones that are really fun!

Examples: "That Power", Will.i.am ft. Justin Bieber

"Timber", Pitbull ft. Kesha

"Starships", Nicki Minaj

"Macarena", The Girly Team

"Mr. Saxobeat", Alexandra Stan

"Call Me Maybe", Carly Rae Jepsen

"Hips Don't Lie", Shakira

"Tik Tok", Kesha

"Hot N Cold", Katy Perry

"Problem", Ariana Grande

"Cheap Thrills", Sia ft. Sean Paul

" On The Floor", Jennifer Lopez ft. Pitbull

2. Read a book: Reading is something I really enjoy. It's such a good way to clear your mind, and enjoy an adventure from the comfort of your own home. There's an endless supply of books about an endless supply of topics. Additionally, there are many different lengths! You don't have to start a novel, there are many wonderful short stories ranging from a few pages to tens of pages. You can also find most books online now so you don't have to go looking! Sometime though I'll get in such a rut that I can't bring myself to focus on reading, which brings me to my last and favorite thing to do!

1. Listening to a book and cleaning: Okay I know how this sounds. Who likes cleaning right? But hear me out! Like I said it can be difficult for me to sit and read sometimes, so what I do is find a good audiobook and clean. The audiobook helps distract me from my thoughts and listening to a story brings me joy. The cleaning gets me moving, and it's mindless so it doesn't distract me from my book. Plus as an added bonus you feel accomplished after cleaning, and ready for a shower and relaxing time.

Just a reminder that even if all you did today was get up and shower then you're winning. Start as small as you need to. Get up and make yourself some cereal and shower. That's an accomplishment. The smallest things can help start your road to happiness!

And always remember Your Not Alone!