Life is not all happy. There comes a time when our soul cries and we see no hope. When it feels everything is hollow and there is no meaning left. It happens to everybody, just that some people unfortunately face it a lot of times in their life.
The very nature of depression is circular. You go in one line of thought, and that ultimately leads to a depressing notion. Everywhere you are reminded of it and the more you think, the more you get entangled. The biggest trap your mind plays during depression is to trick you to get you to believe you can sort it out by thinking. Lets get this straight first -
There is NO way AT ALL by which you can just think your way out of depression alone. There is a very strong tendency in majority of individuals struggling with depression that they deal with it alone. The depression itself is telling, in fact yelling at you that you can't and it is okay. It doesn't mean you are incapable of finding a solution, its just that right now your brain is not at its best. If somehow we shift your brain to its natural state you see how quickly you will come up with a solution or even better stop caring about the issue in the first place!
I know its tough. I know it may not feel like worth doing. But trust me on this, its worth it. There is a light at the end of this tunnel. And we together CAN reach there. Because you are awesome and you deserve to it. Lets go through what we can do when we feel low -
1) Exercise -
Very intuitive but utterly effective. Your body needs to redirect its energy in a proper way and whats a better way to do that than exercise? You don't need to hit gym, just take out just 30 mins of your day and do some jumping , pushups, stretch yourself or even climb stairs and you will see very good results. Its a fact that exercise improves your mood by releasing endorphins and dopamine. Plus it really feel accomplished after a work out.
2) Discover new things -
When you travel to a new place, you get excited. This happens simply because our brain is wired to feel good on discovering new stuff. Go to youtube, and just start watching videos on a completely random but new topic , or maybe something you always wanted to research about but couldn't do it due to various reasons. Your mind will really thank you. You can also listen to new music. Just go to any music apps and play currently popular songs. The thrill of finding a good song for the first time is unparalleled!
3) Get busy -
Be it any creative hobby, or watching a TV show or just about anything you really or once cared about, just do it because you like it. This will help improve your mood and also help your brain to regain its natural state. Involve your brain in activities you are passionate about.
4) Bring some order in your life -
8) Take help -
Lastly if nothing helps out, go and talk your matter with somebody. Humans are social beings, sometimes you really understand the way out by talking it out with someone. No way it indicates you are weak, in fact you are strong, strong enough to discuss these matters with someone. Help wont come to you, you have to go to it. If talking to your friends doesn't work, take professional help. Meet up with a therapist(now you can do that online too) or call a helpline number. I think everybody should try this option, trust me its a HUGE help in life.
9) Be grateful -
If you are living in a city under your parents with a stable income, you are already way better than lots of people in this world. If expectations are reasonable, you will see more than 70% of your life is acting the way you want it. You have food on the plate, clothes to wear, people to talk with and love with. That makes most of your life needs. Its only the 30% or even less which bugs you because you constantly obsess over it. Instead of looking at what you don't have right now, be grateful for what you already have. Close your eyes and remind yourself of good things in your life,good memories and stay with that feeling for a while. Do this simple exercise and you will notice big change!
The very nature of depression is circular. You go in one line of thought, and that ultimately leads to a depressing notion. Everywhere you are reminded of it and the more you think, the more you get entangled. The biggest trap your mind plays during depression is to trick you to get you to believe you can sort it out by thinking. Lets get this straight first -
There is NO way AT ALL by which you can just think your way out of depression alone. There is a very strong tendency in majority of individuals struggling with depression that they deal with it alone. The depression itself is telling, in fact yelling at you that you can't and it is okay. It doesn't mean you are incapable of finding a solution, its just that right now your brain is not at its best. If somehow we shift your brain to its natural state you see how quickly you will come up with a solution or even better stop caring about the issue in the first place!
I know its tough. I know it may not feel like worth doing. But trust me on this, its worth it. There is a light at the end of this tunnel. And we together CAN reach there. Because you are awesome and you deserve to it. Lets go through what we can do when we feel low -
1) Exercise -
Very intuitive but utterly effective. Your body needs to redirect its energy in a proper way and whats a better way to do that than exercise? You don't need to hit gym, just take out just 30 mins of your day and do some jumping , pushups, stretch yourself or even climb stairs and you will see very good results. Its a fact that exercise improves your mood by releasing endorphins and dopamine. Plus it really feel accomplished after a work out.
2) Discover new things -
When you travel to a new place, you get excited. This happens simply because our brain is wired to feel good on discovering new stuff. Go to youtube, and just start watching videos on a completely random but new topic , or maybe something you always wanted to research about but couldn't do it due to various reasons. Your mind will really thank you. You can also listen to new music. Just go to any music apps and play currently popular songs. The thrill of finding a good song for the first time is unparalleled!
3) Get busy -
Be it any creative hobby, or watching a TV show or just about anything you really or once cared about, just do it because you like it. This will help improve your mood and also help your brain to regain its natural state. Involve your brain in activities you are passionate about.
4) Bring some order in your life -
Some people like their habitat to be casual and that's ok but being way too much careless about it is also harmful. Get up and arrange your clothes in your wardrobe or maybe clean your desk , segregate all the files on your pc in proper folders. By bringing in some order, you are trying to reduce chaos and that reflects in your emotions too. You feel more control over stuff.
5)Shopping -
5)Shopping -
Yea you got it. This is the time to buy those shoes you were planning for since long time! Not only you are giving your brain small but most pleasures but also you are taking care of yourself and your needs. Your mind likes being cared. If you think something is necessary and you should have it, take it. But don't go overboard with it otherwise you'll have this guilt of spending way too much money lol!
6) Try out yoga -
Proven scientifically, practiced by millions, yoga can do wonders. A simple breathing exercise brings your brain in present, away from all the racing thoughts which are disturbing you. Lot of information already available on internet. Pranayamas are the best exercise for beginners and it has been proven that it works :)
7) Take everything out -
Once Tanmay Bhatt (yes the comedian) was called by Mukesh Bhatt for playing a role in movie. Few people were sitting there and they were discussing about the role which was to be given to Tanmay. Tanmay said that he is nervous as he has never acted as a main character. To this, Mukesh Bhatt sat silently for few seconds and then barked. Tanmay got shocked, such a big director and literally shouting "Bhau bhau" infront of everyone. To this, Mukesh replied - "This is what you have to do Tanmay, just take out all your inhibitions."
Take out all your inhibitions. Just whatever you are feeling - anger, sadness, crying. Just take it out with full honesty. Depression itself means that there is a lot inside your head, more than what it can take. This is not the time to shy away from your own feelings. So what if they are unpleasant, you should still express it. Just like how we express our happiness by laughing, acting bright, in the same way express your sadness in terms of tears. It has no place inside you, let it be out by fully expressing it and accepting it.
8) Take help -
Lastly if nothing helps out, go and talk your matter with somebody. Humans are social beings, sometimes you really understand the way out by talking it out with someone. No way it indicates you are weak, in fact you are strong, strong enough to discuss these matters with someone. Help wont come to you, you have to go to it. If talking to your friends doesn't work, take professional help. Meet up with a therapist(now you can do that online too) or call a helpline number. I think everybody should try this option, trust me its a HUGE help in life.
9) Be grateful -
If you are living in a city under your parents with a stable income, you are already way better than lots of people in this world. If expectations are reasonable, you will see more than 70% of your life is acting the way you want it. You have food on the plate, clothes to wear, people to talk with and love with. That makes most of your life needs. Its only the 30% or even less which bugs you because you constantly obsess over it. Instead of looking at what you don't have right now, be grateful for what you already have. Close your eyes and remind yourself of good things in your life,good memories and stay with that feeling for a while. Do this simple exercise and you will notice big change!
