Even for those who do not regularly experience depression, this strange time can bring on symptoms that may not even be recognized as depressive symptoms. And for those who already experience depression, things can quickly spiral if self-care isn’t a priority.
A perfect storm for environmental depression involves: isolation, lack of purpose, and lack of movement. This is exactly what most of us are experiencing right now with Shelter in Place.
Here is how to make it through these weeks without adding depressive symptoms to all that we already have to handle.
1) Move Your Body
This does not mean start a new rigorous exercise program. ANY movement counts as movement and impacts your body and brain. It can be as simple as going up and down your stairs for 8 minutes, doing push-ups twice a day, taking a walk down your street, or taking a yoga “class” on youtube. Basically, get off of the couch a few times a day and get your heart rate up. You will immediately notice a difference in how your body feels.
2) Don’t go Junk food crazy
When we feel bored or lonely we tend to gravitate towards comfort food. You will likely eat some foods that you don’t regularly eat, just accept that fact; do not make it the new rule. Your body and brain will gravitate more towards depression after a meal of processed food, sugar, or high carbs. In addition, keep up with whatever supplements you usually would be taking as well as adding extra immunity-boosting supplements.
3) Get Outside
Breathe some fresh air. This can look like taking a walk (cross off 2 goals with this one) or just sitting outside in your yard. Fresh air and experiencing the outdoors shifts perspective and rejuvenates the body.
4) Have Contact with Others
Isolation breeds depression. If you live alone, call friends or family, spend some time on social media interacting with others (positively) or encouraging others. We have more tools for technology-assisted contact than ever before.
5) Have a Purpose
While it is tempting to binge watch all those TV shows or movies you missed, allow some time each day to accomplish something real. Remember those projects you have been saying you don’t have enough time to do? This is a great time to clean up a room or garage, dig in to that creative project, or learn how to do something you have been wanting to learn. Youtube has lessons for everything - making jewelry, fixing your car, cooking or baking, or anything related to your profession or lifestyle that you can imagine. We feel better when we accomplish.
6) Read and/or Meditate
We have many studies that show that meditation shifts our brains and bodies into a calmer state. Even if you feel like our current global state is not impacting you, there are always underlying anxieties around the unknown. Download a free app to try meditation either alone or with your kids or spouse. Start with the app Headspace which has group meditations, lessons for beginnings and much more. And don’t forget all those books you have been wanting to read. If you have a library card you can “check out” books electronically on apps like Libby and Overdrive. This includes audio books, which are a great way to not feel alone and be pleasantly distracted.
7) Cook
Remember all of those recipes you have been wanting to try? Spend some time cooking or baking a new recipe and sit down with your best place settings to enjoy it. If you live alone, play music or an audio book. Or, facetime a friend who is also alone. If you live with others, sit down together and pick a discussion topic for the duration of the meal. Keeping regular mealtimes will keep you from the temptation of eating junk food.
8) Get Dressed
It might seem silly to say, but when there isn’t a reason to get dressed, sometimes we do stay in our pajamas. This might be fun for a day or two, however, after that it could lead to us just wanting to get back in bed. Getting dressed says “I’m ready to do something.” It’s going to be different than what your usual “do” is and that’s ok.
9) Play Games
If you have kids or teens home, this is a great way to bring the family together so that everyone is not on their own electronic devices all day. It’s also a great way to laugh, lighten the mood, and pass the time while engaging with those we love. If you live alone, join a game online or on an app where you can play with others in real time.
10) Help Others; Encourage others
There is someone in your corner of the world who you can help or encourage. If you are healthy, go on the Next Door app or website where many neighborhoods are posting local needs like grocery shopping or other errands for those who cannot get out. Call your local nursing home and ask if they have a phone program for residents who have no one to talk with. And, we can all encourage anyone we come in contact with. Getting outside of ourselves, even for a brief time, literally wards off depression.
