Give yourself an outlet
- Write down your thoughts in a journal. Actually, you don’t even need a journal. You can just grab a piece of paper and write down everything you’re thinking. Then rip it up and throw it in the garbage. At least you’re getting your thoughts out in the open where you can see them. This makes it easier to let them go. Ripping the paper up and throwing it in the garbage is also a way of letting go.
- Have a candid conversation with someone you trust.
- Do work that’s import to you. Even if you can only do it on the side. Get involved in something that’s important to you or create something that’s important to you. There are more opportunities to do this now than ever before.
- The term “workout” is a good metaphor, because exercise really does help you work some things out of your body and out of your mind. It’s a de-stressor and can help provide better clarity of mind. As long as you’re not over-training. Over-training can cause increased anxiety, and injuries that may never go away. Moderation is important.
- Although it’s counter-intuitive when I struggle with depression I push myself to give to others. Find the crossroads between what you’re best at and what will be most rewarding, not only to you, but to other people. We should be doing things that will make the world a better place and avoiding things that don’t. We usually think about what’s best for ourselves but fail to look at the impact we may be having on other people. We often don’t realize that serving the needs of the world, rather than merely your own, is usually what’s best for us. Volunteer at a shelter, become part of the boys & girls club, whatever you feel your heart pulled towards – do that.
Give your concerns to God
- Be thankful for what you have, every day.
- Be mindful of your thoughts. Observe them, and let them go, trusting that God will work things out for you.
Every day is a new day and you can do it with just a little faith that you are going to be OK! I know that some days are tougher than others and it’s not always going to be easy, but you’ve got this just take little steps in the right direction. Just believe and good things will come maybe not when you want them or need them, but everything happens for a reason and there is a light at the end of the tunnel!
