montejocarlo
Well-known member
I've had my fair share of ups and downs in the world of SA and depression. Somehow, I find it surprising how I managed to survive all those scary moments. It's like having a horrible nightmare where you know you're dreaming and you desperately want to wake-up but you just can't. Now you're looking back, and you can still feel it's horror, along with the fear that you might have the same dream again.
There were instances during my down times when I'm sane enough to observe myself. And I found that there are things which can help lighten up my mood, or at least lessen my agitation and anxiety, and I wanna share them with you:
1) Cleaning- When I'm feeling grumpy, taking shower eases my temper. Even manicure or pedicure proves therapeutic. Washing my hands helps too. Cleaning and organizing my room clears my head as well. I think, the idea is anchored on the sensation of cleanliness in addition to the fact that you are taking care of yourself.
I've read an article that discusses the psychological connection between feeling morally clean and physically clean. Here's the link if you wanna read: Washing Hands Makes Tough Choices Easier : Discovery News.
2) Sleeping early and waking up early- This creates the illusion that the day is long, and that there are so many things I can do and accomplish. I also find the cool morning air relaxing. It also makes me feel responsible and disciplined because a healthy and disciplined person would do the same.
3) Exercise- All my stored energy and tension, including all sorts of strong emotions are being released when I exercise. And again, the feeling that I'm taking care of myself.
4) Eating healthy food and drinking plenty of water- This gives me the sense of being fresh and clean from the inside.
5) Eating sweets, especially chocolates- Do I need to elaborate?
6) Taking a long break from the computer- I don't know how, but I'm sure that staying in front of to the computer for long hours adds tremendously to the problem.
7) Connecting with friends- In my case, the biggest part of distress is withdrawal (but I'm not sure if it's the cause, or a manifestation). Connecting takes the pain of isolation, and it tells me that I'm brave.
8) Venting- Whenever I'm down or angry, I would get a piece paper and write in total detail everything that I feel. Later, I would tear it to pieces and throw it into the trash telling myself that I release all negative emotions I'm holding onto. There are also times when I would write poems or essays and create art out of my negative emotions. I always find it therapeutic.
9) Turning-off thoughts altogether- This is probably something my instincts taught me. I do this when my thoughts and emotions are overwhelming. Utter stillness can come easily when you are too tired of aimless thinking. If you have a background in meditation, it can be done almost instantaneously.
What about you? What are your personal coping techniques? Share them here.
Let's spread the love people! ♥
There were instances during my down times when I'm sane enough to observe myself. And I found that there are things which can help lighten up my mood, or at least lessen my agitation and anxiety, and I wanna share them with you:
1) Cleaning- When I'm feeling grumpy, taking shower eases my temper. Even manicure or pedicure proves therapeutic. Washing my hands helps too. Cleaning and organizing my room clears my head as well. I think, the idea is anchored on the sensation of cleanliness in addition to the fact that you are taking care of yourself.
I've read an article that discusses the psychological connection between feeling morally clean and physically clean. Here's the link if you wanna read: Washing Hands Makes Tough Choices Easier : Discovery News.
2) Sleeping early and waking up early- This creates the illusion that the day is long, and that there are so many things I can do and accomplish. I also find the cool morning air relaxing. It also makes me feel responsible and disciplined because a healthy and disciplined person would do the same.
3) Exercise- All my stored energy and tension, including all sorts of strong emotions are being released when I exercise. And again, the feeling that I'm taking care of myself.
4) Eating healthy food and drinking plenty of water- This gives me the sense of being fresh and clean from the inside.
5) Eating sweets, especially chocolates- Do I need to elaborate?
6) Taking a long break from the computer- I don't know how, but I'm sure that staying in front of to the computer for long hours adds tremendously to the problem.
7) Connecting with friends- In my case, the biggest part of distress is withdrawal (but I'm not sure if it's the cause, or a manifestation). Connecting takes the pain of isolation, and it tells me that I'm brave.
8) Venting- Whenever I'm down or angry, I would get a piece paper and write in total detail everything that I feel. Later, I would tear it to pieces and throw it into the trash telling myself that I release all negative emotions I'm holding onto. There are also times when I would write poems or essays and create art out of my negative emotions. I always find it therapeutic.
9) Turning-off thoughts altogether- This is probably something my instincts taught me. I do this when my thoughts and emotions are overwhelming. Utter stillness can come easily when you are too tired of aimless thinking. If you have a background in meditation, it can be done almost instantaneously.
What about you? What are your personal coping techniques? Share them here.
Let's spread the love people! ♥
