Do “1” Thing That Inspires YOU!

Go ahead put your index finger straight up like you are making the number 1.

If you haven’t read my post about The High 5 Method for coping with depression read it Here, before you read this post.

What do you love to do? If you had all the time in the world right now to do anything you want, what would it be? Sometimes when you are feeling depressed you can’t even remember what makes you happy, because well happiness is a feeling that isn’t quite accessible to you at that moment.

When I was young I had so many huge dreams of what I wanted to become and what adventures I would definitely have, what goals and activities I would obviously complete. I was happy and nothing could stop me from my lofty aspirations.

Fast forward several years and I found myself sitting there not even remembering that I ever even had goals or desires.

I was severely depressed. My husband asked me “Why don’t you do something you love to do?”, “What do you like to do Sara?”. “Ummm ummmm… uh uh… I have no idea”, I said.

It had been so long that I had not focused on my dreams and the things I really enjoyed doing that I couldn’t think of anything at all.

He immediately started giving me ideas of things I might like such as reading a book, going shopping, listening to music, etc. etc. All of those things he said sounded so unappealing, so awful. Realistically at that moment, the only thing that I wanted to do was sleep.

It can be anything that “normally” would spark joy for you. (not Marie Kondo style, although I do love her)

Sleep is often a good option to take, if you have the time to do it, take a 30-minute catnap. When you wake up and you don’t feel any better decide on something that you once enjoyed doing and go for it.

For me, I used to love dancing. I took lots of dance classes in college and I LOVED them all.

Dancing brought feelings of freedom and self-expression that I couldn’t find anywhere else.

I also loved reading, it was an easy way for me to explore the world or learn new things without leaving the comfort of my couch.

I always used to LOVE shopping, hey retail therapy is a real thing (wink wink). Even if I didn’t have the money to buy what I wanted I would meander through the isles of the stores and find things that I imagined I would buy in the future when I had children or a house of my own.

Try something new

If you can’t remember anything that you once loved try something new.  

I have friends who feel so much happiness painting. (I personally can’t even manage to draw a stick figure) but they pick up a paintbrush or some pencils and sketch away at beautiful pieces of scribble art. It might not end up in a museum, but if you like it and its beautiful to your eyes that is what counts.

Maybe it’s trying a new sport you have always thought looked like fun.

Have you ever tried playing Tennis on a real tennis court? What about shooting some hoops with a sibling or a neighbor?

Roller skating was a big deal when I was a kid and it might sound nerdy to you but it is so fun! (and it’s making a huge comeback I hear;)

Have you watched those cool cooking shows on the Food Network, don’t they look so yummy? Go for it! Try it!

Try something new.

A great distraction

When we do something that inspires us we automatically distract ourselves from some of the previous feelings we were so consumed with.

Our brains get endorphins that literally sends bits of happiness throughout our entire bodies.

Everything seems a lot more difficult to do when we are depressed, but tell yourself just for 5 minutes at a time you are gonna do something that inspires you.

You never know you might just spark a new passion that leaves you happier in no time.

now…

Put your finger out to the side and point to the closest door that leads to the outside.

The index finger on the HIGH FIVE METHOD also represents going outside.

Get outdoors when you are feeling down. Fresh air can work miracles!! Go for a short walk or a long hike. Weed your flower beds, or sit down on your front porch. Kick a soccer ball around or even mow your yard (which is my personal favorite). Whatever it is it really doesn’t matter. Just get some fresh air outside.

On Kentteach.com it  says “The more fresh air you get, the more oxygen you will breathe which will increase the amount of serotonin (the happy hormone) you inhale, consequently making you happier. “

There have been numerous studies done to prove that this is true, even if it is cold outside, raining, or scorching hot.

GO OUTSIDE!!!!

So Remember when you are feeling a little down…

DO 1 THING THAT INSPIRES YOU & GO OUTSIDE!

What are some things that inspire you?

Do you feel like you still can do them when you are depressed?