There weren’t any new years resolutions or intentions for me this year. Instead, I’ve simply scheduled in a complete life overhaul. Reinventing yourself is easy, right? Okay, good, because I’m right in the middle of establishing a new and improved, happier me.
I don’t even know if ‘mood’ is the right terminology to use here, but that’s what I ended up with so let’s go with it. So far, I’ve realized that as much as we’ve come leaps and bounds in our efforts to talk about mental illness, there’s still a lot of discomfort around depression. There are different types of depression and varying degrees in which you can be lost in the fog. Regardless of why you’re feeling a bit down, happiness and self love are essential ingredients for mental clarity. Keep in mind that the following 5 points aren’t a cure to anything, but we’re all aiming for good days, aren’t we? Accomplishing even just ONE item on this list is a huge step in the right direction. Remember that small changes add up to make all the difference! Now, let’s get started with these simple ways to help boost spirits and keep that stress in check.
1. Take Control Of Your Time
When I burned out last year, I always felt like I wasn’t in control of my time. It’s not easy to get yourself out of the stress tornado of projects and commitments, but there’s a couple things that really helped make things feel more manageable. First, you can say no. Say it with me now, N-O. Don’t isolate yourself, but there’s a fine balance between work, your social life, and your “me” time. Get a really good agenda and actually use it (I’m loving my Design Love Co. one). Setting things like goals and lists and schedules and recording your actions keep you accountable and in control.
2. Dress For Success
This shouldn’t be a surprise to any of you, but I follow a strict look good, feel good policy. When I reflect back on those cloudier days, I tricked myself into thinking that I was putting in effort just because I’d wear something cute. But it goes beyond your outfit. Make your bed in the morning. SMILE. Watch a youtube tutorial and try a new hairstyle or makeup look. Put on a pair of heels (and bring flats because there’s nothing worse than sore feet). Your efforts will help, I promise!
3. Track The Good Stuff
Journal. Include things you’re grateful for and note what you’re feeling. Make to-do lists in the morning and cross things off. On the days where I feel really unproductive, I often look back at my list and realize there were only a few things I didn’t complete. Carrying a task over to the next day isn’t a failure, it’s a reason to continue onto tomorrow! Set realistic targets for yourself. Try to go to the gym one day next week. Aim to attend a social function and even if you duck out early, at least you went! Start off small and you’ll eventually lead yourself into more good days than bad.
4. Schedule Exercise
I am the Queen of excuses not to be active, but it’s truly amazing what happens to me when I actually get off my butt and start moving! It’s the simplest confidence boost. You just feel purposeful and a part of this crazy society. And if you’re not moving at all, stop reading those articles about how to lose weight. Don’t overthink it, just listen to your own body and it will tell you what it needs. What I’ve found helps me is writing down one or two blocks in my agenda that are specifically for exercise. Instead of choosing something I dread, I aim for something FUN that I’m looking forward to. A hatha yoga class is a great place to start, or a dance class (this Beyonce class is a real spirit lifter), even snowshoeing or a hike. Whatever it is, think outside the box and go enjoy yourself!
5. Treat Yo Self
People are always preaching about taking time for yourself and blah blah blah. I’d always brush them aside, completely confident in the fact that I took care of myself because I’d regularly ‘reward’ myself with Netflix time or chocolate. Neither of which were doing anything for me. Actually do something that helps you! Have a bath with epsom salts. Block off time for meditation or a walk. Read a book. Spend money on learning something and empower yourself with a new skill or hobby. Go to the dentist or the doctor or the naturopath or the chiropractor or whatever else you’ve been putting off and give yourself the gift of good health (and peace of mind). Self love, my friends. It’s a powerful thing.
I REALLY hope this article was helpful in some way to you or maybe someone you know who’s feeling a bit low. If you are feeling depressed, I found this website to be a great resource, or I highly recommend talk therapy. And hey, I am always here to chat! You are not alone in the fog! xo
I just discovered your blog and am so inspired….you are a beautiful woman and your confidence is stunning. I love your style but even more, thanks for being frank about having a depression! Like yourself, I had a total burnout in 2015 (the bad, had to leave work, kind). I have suffered with depression ever since I was a small child and girl—-life can be tough. For girls like us, looking after ourselves is not a luxury, it is a simple necessity to help or maintain our mental health. I often struggle with low energy and the whole “mood” issue + anxiety and fashion, style, and beauty help to elevate those valleys. I am so glad there are people like yourself out there who are willing to be transparent about this struggle.
Hi Adriana! I really cannot thank you enough for taking the time to write me. I published this post and then immediately felt too vulnerable and didn’t even advertise it on social media (jeez, as though depression wasn’t difficult enough to go through, it’s also really tough to talk about). I find the low energy to be the toughest part, but love when the good days finally outnumber the bad! Thank you for sharing your struggles and for the words of encouragement. How has the year been so far for you? Are you back to work? Wishing you all the best and a VERY healthy and clear 2016 XOXO