A Taboo
In yesterday's post I took the time and space to approach the taboo topic of depression — my own. No big deal, no major concern, but ya know. 😕
My share was in a bite sized post. I even showed my "depressy face." In so doing, it actually lifted the pain a bit.
No Vulnerability Hangover
When I got up this morning, feeling more like ⭐️⭐️⭐️ instead of ⭐️⭐️, I was surprised! I thought I'd open my eyes to a whopper of a vulnerability hangover. But nope.
The thought occurred to me, "what if I tried to do some tiny, easy things for myself today that might add to this improvement?" I had no idea what I could come up with, because the depressed brain doesn't think ahead that well, does it? But I decided to take one baby step at a time, make a list and report back.
That's my list in the photo above. One thing I note looking at it is my writing. For me, that is truly ragged. My handwriting and architectural lettering is typically stunning. It's something I love about myself. But looking at the list, my assessment is, "oh my, I can see the depression in my handwriting. The hand don't lie, yo."
Nonetheless, I'm proud of the list because it shows self kindness, gradual effort, and that am trying to assist myself. So here are the ten things I did by the end of the day in an effort to move the needle to improve my mood some more.
Caveat
Before I describe my efforts, let me just say that I am no one's good example. So what I try probably may not make a hill of beans difference to the next person. I'm only sharing what I tried to do myself a favour.
My Things I Did to Move the Needle on Depression
- I gave myself credit for admitting to feeling depression in a simple Hive post.
- I properly got ready for bed. I doing do everything I needed to, back 90% was fine.
- I set a sleep timer for 9 hours. No alarms-they're bad for anxiety & depression.
- Once I was awake, I asked myself, "what would I like to see happen next?" I noticed it was raining the most perfect therapeutic sound rain. I could see hitting and flowing down the window in my bedroom. It was so pleasant. So I set the sleep timer for a bit longer, and fell back listening to the rain.
- When it was time to rise, I got a glass of sparking water and drank it while I ran a bubble bath.
- I got myself fully reading for the day.
- I went "down my local" Palace pub and had Gammon steak, egg, peas, and salad. It was the best meal I've ever eaten there. 😃
- I got back to the flat in time to join @creativeworkhour's Cuppa Joe. I took my laptop into the kitchen and made my own cuppa while I hung out with friends.
- During Creative Work Hour and the second hour, Practice Not Perfect, I worked on the moth infestation problem in the apartment. Just one little thing at a time, so not to get overwhelmed or frustrated over it.
- No matter I long I've worked at the computer all day, I made a point to get up, walk around, refill my cuppa, and kill more moths! 💀
Gammon Steak with Grilled Pineapple, Fried Egg, Mint Peas, and Salad at The Palace, Leeds
Here is proof positive that I accomplished number 7 on the list. I can't tell you how good it tasted, except to say that it was as though the universe gifted me a thoroughly pleasurable meal. I'm grateful!
Thanks for coming by to read my progress.
I'm feeling better already. A definite 3.5 ⭐️s!
Since it's 27 January, I power up these 27 HIVE 💪🏽
Much love! 🥰
Alessandra
