(Cue Lana Del Rey – Summertime Sadness)
When you’re in a low state, any task feels insurmountable. So, we’re going to break things down into bite-sized pieces. I’m going to cover random things I’ve done and continue to do when I feel low energy or down.
And then I’ll also share some tips for dealing with depression. While I’m not in that place right now, I’ve spent a lot of time there and could certainly be there again in the future.
So in this blog post, I’m talking to you at home, but I’m also talking to myself—or future me.
A Letter to My Future Self
Hey future Tash,
Depressed Tash of the future,
I know you’re going through a hard time.
You’re eating a lot of peanut butter,
your hair is wild,
and you look crazy right now
but that’s OK.
Don’t beat yourself up.
You’re doing what you can.
You’re surviving,
and I’m really proud of you.
Here are some tips that I think will make you feel a little bit lighter.
OK, here we go:
Depression Mindfulness Tip #1: Go for a Walk
You heard me. Just do a 15-minute walk—no more, no less. There’s no goal at the end of the walk; just do it. I know it sounds terrible. The hardest part is thinking about going on the walk, but you’re going to do it. Then we’ll move on to step 2. It’s going to be OK. Just do it.
Tip #2: Micro-Declutter One Small Area
When I feel depressed, I often have low energy, but I also feel the need to do something to get out of the funk. Moving my body helps, and decluttering is a great way to do this.
I know what you’re thinking: it’s not spring, and you don’t have time for a full declutter. But the beauty of decluttering is that it can be done in bite-sized amounts. We’re not talking about your whole wardrobe, kitchen, or living room—just one small area. Think of one drawer, one section of your cabinet, or a small spot in your laundry room.
Another great tip is to set a timer so you know there’s an end in sight. I like to keep it small—10 or 20 minutes. You can have a recycle, donate, and bin pile, and when you’re done, you’ll feel good about yourself.
I always struggle to keep my cupboard tidy, especially the bottom part where things tend to pile up. It stresses me out more than it should. So, I set a timer, take everything out of that space, and put it back one item at a time. It feels good to know what’s in there. You’re doing a great job.
Tip #3: Do Some Bed Yoga
Let me tell you, if a yoga sequence can’t be done from bed, I’m not interested. OK, maybe that’s a bit far-fetched, but you get what I’m saying. Sometimes, I don’t even feel like leaving the bed. But just doing a few stretches in bed can make a difference.
Bed yoga is still yoga. No matter how short the session, it still counts. A simple cat-cow, some hamstring and hip stretches, a child’s pose, a sphinx—anything you feel like doing. Even a cheeky thread the needle. Just breathe and enjoy stretching your body from a familiar and cosy space.
Tip #4 Daily Mindful Stillness
When I feel low energy or depressed, it’s often because I’m going through a period of grief. During these times, it’s important to process what’s happening, and the best way to do that is through mindful stillness.
It doesn’t have to be long. Put on a 10-minute yoga nidra or meditation on YouTube or Insight Timer—whatever you have access to. Don’t overcomplicate it. Lie down, close your eyes, and allow yourself to feel. It doesn’t matter if you cry, feel nothing, or get angry—feel those feelings so you can start to feel better.
I know it’s hard to sit with those feelings. It might be more appealing to escape them with activities, substances, etc., but sometimes what’s most helpful is giving yourself time and space to process and accept.
Now, I’m not a therapist or counselor, so if you’re feeling really bad, it’s important to speak to someone professional.
Tip #5 Do Something Different Every Day
This might not be a conventional tip, but I find that doing things slightly differently each day keeps things fresh and exciting. For example, when I practice yoga, I take my downward dog in a slightly different way—legs a little wider, hands a little closer, maybe closing my eyes, or coming down to my forearms and doing dolphin pose instead.
It doesn’t have to be big changes. Instead of making coffee at home, go to a coffee shop. Try a new recipe instead of the same old one. If you’re used to watching a certain type of show, mix it up and watch a movie instead. Take a shower at a different time of day, or even take two short showers. Just something different from yesterday, and it can have a big impact—a little bit of excitement goes a long way.
Tip #6 Throw Out Your To-Do List
I know there are things we can’t avoid doing, like our jobs, taking care of loved ones, pets, etc. But there are also things we force ourselves to do every day that perhaps don’t need to be done right now—or at least can wait a couple of days.
During times of depression, the best thing to do is to forget about those little tasks that don’t really need to be done right now. Just do nothing—watch TV, order takeaway, hang out with your dog or bestie, relax, lie in bed if you want to, take a nap. Naps are great! Don’t worry about being productive. One of the major lessons I’ve learned through therapy is the art of being gentle with myself, especially during times when I feel low. Being gentle means not putting unnecessary pressure on yourself - there is more ti life than just completing tasks.
Tip #7 Reach Out to Friends or Family and Invite Them Over
Get your friend to come over and cook, paint, watch something, or do some chores with you. When you’re feeling down, it can be really hard to reach out, and it can feel like no one understands. It’s like there’s glass between you and the rest of the world—you can see it’s a beautiful day outside, but you can’t feel it.
But remember, your loved ones want to support you when you’re going through grief, depression, or stress. Sometimes, they just don’t know how. If you reach out and say, “I need you to come over and do this with me,” they’ll probably appreciate it. We all want to support each other; we just need a little guidance on how to do it.
This blog post was inspired by a client who reached out to me a while back, saying they’d been experiencing panic attacks and couldn’t cope with stress or worry, feeling emotionally overwhelmed.
To that client, you know who you are, and I am truly sorry that you feel this way. I know these words don’t mean much, so instead, I’m writing you this blog post. Hope this helps in a small way.
I’m sending you all a big hug. Whether it’s been a hard year or a great one, what’s coming next is unknown and full of possibility.
Hope you’re being gentle with yourselves.
Take good care,
Tash x
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