How to manage life with depression
Written 8/20/2024.
Lately there have been times, like yesterday, I knew everything was going just fine if not a little better than average, but my mind was still trying to see things negatively to match the sad feeling I had.
The good news is that I’ve gotten to the point where I can separate feelings from reality and counter my negative thoughts.
Here are some things that help me.
First – when I know that my thinking is faulty, call myself out on it. For example, traffic is flowing well, but I still feel like it is going against me. I tell myself the traffic is objectively good.
Second – breathing exercises. Box breathing is pretty good. Breathe in for X count, hold for X count, breath out for X count, hold for X count. I usually start with a count of 4 and work my way up as it is comfortable. In for 4, hold for 4, out for 4, hold the out breath for 4, repeat for at least 5 minutes. For extra stress relief, breathe in for X count, breathe out for 2X count. For example, breathe in for 4 counts, breathe out for 8 counts.
Third – figure out where in the body the feeling is stored and focus on it. Breathe into it, usually beautiful white light or a word like peace, then breathe out from that place with a color or word. Usually, the correct words just come to me.
Journaling helps. Talking to a friend or therapist helps. Listening to music helps. Riding my motorcycle definitely helps. Riding literally soothes my soul.
If you have techniques that help you, please share them in the comments.
Blessings to you,
Robert