I am sure I'm not the only one who can sense when they are slipping into a really, really bad day, depression/anxiety-wise. I'm talking debilitating hopelessness, or paralyzing fear. And once I feel myself about to hit that threshold, the stress of it causes me to instantly get more sad/mad/scared at myself for not being able to control myself, and I spiral. I completely lose control, and it seems so stupid because I saw it coming! Not that I am stupid, but depression and anxiety are stupid. Stupid, stupid, STUPID!
Well, I have recently picked up a little trick, which I tested over and over before sharing since I didn't want to be a liar. When I feel myself slipping, I stand up. Like, literally. That's it.
No one ever breaks down into the deep dark pits of depression while exercising. Not walking, running, or dancing. And no, I am not suggesting working out right then and there because the likelihood that I'll feel like working out at a moment like that is negative infinity percent, but standing up at least gets things flowing. Because let's face it, when I am slipping, I am probably either in bed or on the couch. Standing up = blood flow, oxygen flow, endorphin flow = calm.
This is what happens: Stand up. Deep breath. Maybe I feel a little better? Maybe not. Take a few steps. Better? NO! But now I'm up, and I don't want to give in to the couch and the misery I will feel there, so I ain't sittin' back down! I might as well shower. No wonder I'm slipping, I haven't showered in two days. A shower will really turn things around for me. Oh, and I might as well go get that cup of coffee I have been thinking about for 45 minutes but was too depressed to get up out of bed for. That will be good. Hmm, I'll drink my coffee in the shower - no wait, in a bath. Ooh ooh I'll light a candle in there, too, like in a chick flick! I'm so fancy. And like that, I am back in control.
Am I feeling good? Not necessarily. But I am in control. I am not curled up in a ball on the couch anymore. I am moving, I am being productive [because yes, I consider bathing 'productive', don't you?], and I now have the hope of living my life for rest of the day rather than losing yet another day to the deep dark pit. And that hope sure does feel good.
I actually believe that feeling myself slipping is a blessing in disguise. It gives me the opportunity to stop the train before I go over that cliff. I just need to stand up, and take back the control.
XO
Well, I have recently picked up a little trick, which I tested over and over before sharing since I didn't want to be a liar. When I feel myself slipping, I stand up. Like, literally. That's it.
No one ever breaks down into the deep dark pits of depression while exercising. Not walking, running, or dancing. And no, I am not suggesting working out right then and there because the likelihood that I'll feel like working out at a moment like that is negative infinity percent, but standing up at least gets things flowing. Because let's face it, when I am slipping, I am probably either in bed or on the couch. Standing up = blood flow, oxygen flow, endorphin flow = calm.
This is what happens: Stand up. Deep breath. Maybe I feel a little better? Maybe not. Take a few steps. Better? NO! But now I'm up, and I don't want to give in to the couch and the misery I will feel there, so I ain't sittin' back down! I might as well shower. No wonder I'm slipping, I haven't showered in two days. A shower will really turn things around for me. Oh, and I might as well go get that cup of coffee I have been thinking about for 45 minutes but was too depressed to get up out of bed for. That will be good. Hmm, I'll drink my coffee in the shower - no wait, in a bath. Ooh ooh I'll light a candle in there, too, like in a chick flick! I'm so fancy. And like that, I am back in control.
Am I feeling good? Not necessarily. But I am in control. I am not curled up in a ball on the couch anymore. I am moving, I am being productive [because yes, I consider bathing 'productive', don't you?], and I now have the hope of living my life for rest of the day rather than losing yet another day to the deep dark pit. And that hope sure does feel good.
I actually believe that feeling myself slipping is a blessing in disguise. It gives me the opportunity to stop the train before I go over that cliff. I just need to stand up, and take back the control.
XO
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