Self Care can be really really useful as a concept and help a lot of people, but what if you’re already in that state? It’s a lot harder to get out once you’re in. If you’re thinking to yourself ‘how can I stop feeling so depressed?’ then this guide could be for you! Here’s ten things that might be preventing you from recovery.

Your Living Space Isn’t Tidy

When I wake up and there are clothes all over my room floor because I haven’t tidied up, or the dishes are still in the sink from before I felt depressed, or there is clutter everywhere, I don’t feel like there is anywhere worth getting out of bed for. Giving yourself a bit of time each day to keep things tidy is really helpful for your mental health. If you can’t solve this right now then ask someone else to help you this time and then try to keep on top of it afterwards. A clean and uncluttered atmosphere hugely influences how I feel and so keeping on top of house work is a big help for me.

You Haven’t Had Enough To Drink

Dehydration causes grogginess and grogginess makes you want to stay in bed. The worst thing you can do for your mental health is stay in bed all day, every day and, as much as you should allow yourself time to recover, it won’t get you any better. Make sure that you are drinking at least 6 glasses of water a day and plenty of tea if you like that. Avoid coffee and alcohol as they are stimulants and also cause dehydration. Anything like that is a mental health nightmare. If you’re having a glass of water every two hours you will easily achieve this and feel much better for it!

You Are Comfort Eating

Sugar is so bad for you and your health. Like coffee, it causes a quick spike and then a crash which is not what we want! If you aren’t getting enough nutrients in or you are eating badly you are going to feel really awful. A little chocolate is fine every now and again but depression makes you want to live off muffins and this really isn’t helping anything. Your brain and body will thank you for the change. Taking vitamins is a good way to transition into a better diet.

Your Sleeping Pattern Is Messy

Insomnia is hard to help but if you are staying up until 3 in the morning and getting up at midday then you are always going to feel tired. Try to be in bed at 11 and up no later than 9 and stay out of bed the rest of the time. This is conditioning your body to associate bed with sleep and you will find it easier to get to sleep. You will also find it easier if you go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, conditioning your body to know when you need to sleep.

You Haven’t Been Outside In A While

Or at least opened a window. Fresh air and natural light are important for mental wellbeing and you can significantly reduce depression symptoms by getting a little exercise. If you can’t face the outside world then open up your bedroom window and do some lunges or squats. Just get yourself moving in the fresh air. You’d be surprised what difference opening your curtains can do for your health.

You’re Avoiding Human Contact

I know it’s tempting to stay in your own room all day and not engage with others at all. I mean who needs friends when you have F.R.I.E.N.D.S.? But if you bring your box sets down into the living room rather than your phone, someone may come and join you and help you out. Humans are social creatures and we need physical connections with other people (not just on the internet) and even watching pointless in the living room is better than nothing.

You’re Not Engaging With Interests

Your blog doesn’t get written, your book isn’t read or your gym membership is as much a waste of money as those bought on the first of January. Without your interests it is easy to slip into the mind set of hopelessness and your vision of the future is diminishing fast. Start with smaller indoor hobbies and gradually build up. Maybe you can do your hobby indoors but you need to pop to a shop to get supplies and then finally that dance class doesn’t seem so daunting. Depression stops your favourite activities seeming appealing but it doesn’t stop the enjoyment so all you need is a little push in the right direction.

You Aren’t Clean

It’s okay if you haven’t showered today or yesterday or even in a few days. I’ve been there and I won’t judge you. But the feeling of being completely clean is one that you don’t take for granted. Even if you go straight back to bed after your shower, it will feel easier knowing that you are washed. If you can’t manage a shower then some deodorant and body spray will leave you feeling nicer and brushing your teeth will make you feel more pleasant.

You’re Spending All Your Time Online

The issue with phones for people with depression is that they seem really great. You don’t have to get out of bed and you can distract yourself. This has led to people finding it harder to get over depressive episodes because they don’t see any appeal to getting better and doing the things that seem daunting. I’ve found that banning my phone in bed and charging it overnight across the room, or even in a different room when I don’t need an alarm, stops me from staying on my phone all morning or staying up on it all night. have set times in the day where you don’t use your phone. I like to think of 9-5 as my ‘business hours’ and any time before or after that there is no guarantee that you can contact me. Regulating your time on a phone is the biggest step you can take to overcoming your depression.

You Haven’t Made An Effort With Your Appearance

Okay this isn’t saying you have to look perfect all the time, this is about being happy with yourself. If you usually wear joggers and a tee shirt, wear that. If you always do your makeup, try to do that. Make sure any skin and hair care routines are completed as usual and at the very least wear something that isn’t your pyjamas. Think to yourself: would I be happy leaving the house like this? If not then make sure that you are in a position where you would. It does tons for your confidence!

So there are my tips for getting out of a depressive state and preventing depressive episodes. Share with others what you do to help your depression in the comments and if you enjoyed this post and think it could help someone else then give it a share and tell your friends about it. You can even put this ready made pin onto your Pinterest so others can share!

Love,

Amber xxx