What are some of your daily mechanisms to make yourself feel good?

[singsparkles]

Just thought I'd start a board and everyone could chime it...

 

 

What are things you do on a daily basis to feel good, and/or feel good about yourself?

 

If you go through depression, what are some of your coping mechanisms to keeping your head up?

 

 

I'm interested to hear all your responses

 

Hugs,

xx :-)

[Els]

I take a walk and appreciate the sunshine, the beauty of nature, and the changing seasons

 

Talk to friends (online or IRL) and laugh

 

Enjoy good food! One of the most primal pleasures of life

 

Spend time with my SO (and cuddle when we can)

 

Indulge in my hobbies, get lost in a game or book or show

 

Paint my nails and look at pretty things

 

How about you?

[Ninjainpajamas]

I think what makes me feel good about myself is taking care of myself and supporting others (in my own way).

 

How that works for me is eating for the most part healthy, going to the gym which feels like I'm taking care of my health and body which is motivating and a routine for me. Keeping myself motivated everyday to finish what I start and not to ever give up on myself in general, because I know that at the end of the day everyone is their own worst enemy (I always give myself some pretty challenging tasks in life, I make my own life very difficult and challenging for the sake of growth but sometimes I bite off too much and it causes me a lot of stress).

 

But when I'm feeling blue, forcing myself to go out and do activities, maybe even if I feel like not doing anything. Shoot some pool with the guys and a have drink, moan about your problems or vent out a bit is always helpful.

 

For me life is like a deck of cards, or pictures I haven't seen, I just shuffle them around whenever I get bored and keep myself entertained and motivated, giving myself something new to think about, learn or understand. So I'm constantly keeping my mind busy with some idea or interest. It's good to pursue things that you've always wanted to do.

 

I used to write and express my raw feelings on the internet, kind of in a blog kind of way, which actually helped me a great deal because I could always read what I wrote later and see myself from the outside in, but when I was writing it just felt like a weight was lifted off my shoulders after that, especially when the load on my heart is very heavy...it's too bad I can't commit to doing something like that or just don't do it anymore.

 

But overall, I think staying home and isolating yourself is the worst thing you can do when feeling depressed, it just perpetuates the whole situation and you start to forget what life is about and who is in it. A lot of times people feel like nobody needs them or cares about them, when they're really just ignoring or denying the fact that people do...but someone always cares about you, remember that. So it's best to go out, get out of your own head and be open to the experience...you have to remember that life is full of things that you cannot change, you will always need to adapt to what life throws at you, instead of trying to be in control (which is a real problem for me at times).

 

It's not to say being alone is a bad thing, I need that very much to decompress and recharge after being in the midst of everything..but do not wallow in that state.

 

I will also Skype the family and catch up with them, as much of a talker and opinionated, expressive person that I am...often times I'll just talk to my mom or grandmother and hardly say a word, just listen or be understanding and give back some encouragement. I look up to my grandmother and the incredible person she is and how many people's lives she has affected and been there for, I find her ability to give inspiring.

 

I think it's always good to really understand yourself, and you do that by expressing yourself, not that person you think you're supposed to be or that "perfection" and what you're already pre-programmed to say almost, but understanding how you REALLY feel (taking time to really think about it) and accepting who you are and not hating yourself for it or not being something else or "better", but instead appreciating the "gifts" and talents that you have.

 

Every day I try to be better than I was the last day, that for me keeps me going. I try to be more of who I am, represent the true person and not feel repressed or restricted by societies or even cultures, I always do things that inspire reflection and thought within myself, whatever I can do to open my eyes even wider and see myself, the world and people for how it really is, rather than being influenced by what a bunch of people over there think and the rest of others with different opinions.

 

You have to release the bonds that you have chained yourself with, and blame others or situations for imposing on you...just be who you are, feel your feelings, feel your thoughts but don't let them control everything when they are bringing you down (I know, easier said than done but you can either fight it or just give up) remember to appreciate what you have and the person you are. Stand up for yourself, even if it's you who is bringing yourself down, that is really where the true battle lies...the weight of the world is not on yours or anyone else's shoulders...believe it or not.

[JDPT]

I make it my business to go to the gym on a daily basis specially the sauna. I remind myself about where I'm going and the many accomplishments I've managed to achieve with lots of hard work. Additionally, I remind myself about the many plans I have yet to achieve such as going back to school and embarking on a very polarized career change. I allow myself to feel rather than fight my emotions. I take it a day at a time because that's all I can do, take baby steps. I came to terms with the fact that I'm unstoppable and I can do anything I set my mind to.

[cerridwen]

On a daily basis?

 

I start my day with coffee in the garden.

The smell of the flowers and the quiet make all the difference.

 

I shower with Pink Grapefruit body gel from the Body Shop.

The scent is invigorating without being jarring. (I'm noticing an aromatherapy theme here.)

 

I follow a spiritual practice that includes meditation and prayer.

 

If I have the blues:

 

I reach out to friends.

 

I treat myself to froyo.

 

I go kayaking on a calm water.

 

I count my blessings.