My Toolbox
I am sharing my top 5 coping skills, from my own lived experience, that help me when I feel down.....they are essential parts of my wellness toolbox and my overall recovery journey.
1. Get outside, go for a walk or just be in nature, the beach is my all time favorite spot
2. Listen to Music!
3. Call a friend or relative, chat online, just connect to someone
4. Exercise, walk or dance by yourself
5. Take a nap! Rest helps me feel better and start fresh
I hope these help, please share what your coping skills are. Someone could really use more tools to add to their toolbox......
@Ladyofthesea458 💜💙💛🧡🖤❤️💚 Love it !
@Curiosity07 Thanks!!! 
A goal of mine this year to not let depression take over my day or life. So here are a few of my own techniques to keep that loser in check.
1. Just recently my family got a puppy and he's getting bigger everyday. I like to cuddle with him and maybe even talk about my problems. I know it sounds funny. But I felt refreshed just ranting to my sleeping dog. :)
2. Rewatch Harry Potter! (that can never go wrong)
3. Paint my nails an unusual or cheerful (bright) color. I find the act soothing and the colors might make you feel better. Last time I got in a terrible fight, I painted my nails GREEN. I'd probably never do that again, but it did help me calm down.
4. Read a new book, or an old favorite. I personally enjoy Emily's Dress and Other Missing Things.
5. I don't really have a backyard, but there is a patch of grass in the back that has a lake on the other side of a fence. I sit there at night and just breathe.
I hope this helped some of you. Have a nice day! :)
@Pluman2002 Love those!! Doggies are great listeners....Thanks for sharing!!
@Ladyofthesea458 My pleasure.
1. Good and regular(!) food and sleep + vitamins and magnesium supplements to get my body and brain working well!
2. Moving: being in the fresh air, walking in the forest, sports, if possible (whatever works, for me it's yoga and swimming). Changing the environment, visiting new places.
3. Reading books, listening to podcasts or lectures to open the mind.
4. Creating something (write, draw, play, photograph or film something).
5. Meeting and talking with the closest ones.
@FlyingBarnOwl Those sound really good, I think I am going to start listening to podcasts, many of my friends keep suggesting them and here on 7 cups many have shared that they love podcasts, so it's a good time to start, any suggestions on some?
@Ladyofthesea458
Glad to hear it!
Well, it depends on what are your interests and what would you like to learn from the podcasts.
Personally, I started with dr. Jordan B Peterson's (clinical psychologist) lectures and appearances on various podcasts. Just by typing his name in youtube you'll find loads of videos. He's a very experienced psychologist and his speech is very clear, organized and easy to understand. To many people around the world, including myself, his talks significantly helped to deal with depression and other issues.
Through his appearances on Joe Rogan Experience podcast, I started listening to other people who come to talk to Joe. There are loads of them and new ones are being uploaded several times a week. To name a few, I liked the one with Bret Weinstein & Heather Heying, also with Johann Hari (this one's about depression).
Also recently I started listening to NPR Invisibilia podcast - they cover many different and interesting topics.
If you're interested in architecture, design, there's and interesting podcast called 99% Invisible.
Also you can find some interesting podcasts on Radiotopia.
: )
Tips to handling depression
1. Try to find at least one thing to be grateful for Everyday. Whether its the fact that youve still got all four limbs or that you dont have to worry about where your next meal will come from, try to spend some time focusing on how lucky you are to have that
2. Ice cream. Chocolate. Delicious unhealthy food in general. Eat them(but not too much)
3. Go swimming(or just float on the water and listen to the sound of it)
4. Have a treat yourself day every once in a while to really take care of yourself. Itll help you feel better about yourself
5. Binge watch tv shows or read books. Lose yourself into another reality where all your problems, worries and fears dont exist
I dont really think what I just wrote is that great a list but I hope itll help someone out
@Shadowfires These are really great and helpful! Especially the chocolate 
@Ladyofthesea458 Haha, thanks! The chocolate works wonders :p
@Ladyofthesea458 oh you seem to have similar ones to me. 
I find having a routine helps me get out of bed in the morning. Not just saying I have to get up but actually finding a reason to want to get up like going to
Exercise classes - can be yoga, tai chi, Qi Gong, cardio workout, stretching, strength training and flexibility.
A warm to hot shower at night to help me relax and get a good night sleep or a nap.
Playing. This could be playing creative computer games or doing something I enjoy.
Starting to clean up and organize my room or the storage room. I just feel calmer when I eliminate the clutter or donate things I no longer use to a worthy charity or thrift store.
Eat good healthy food with awareness of the smell, taste, warmth or coolness and how many people helped to bring this food to me.
Oh well I better stop now. That is more than 5!
@soulsings Great minds think alike soul
@Ladyofthesea458 yes I agree. I call that GMTA but sometimes people do not recognize the acronym.
@soulsings I love that acronym!! I'll be using it all the time now! Thanks!
@Ladyofthesea458 it either gets a nod of recognition or a "What's That?" Keeps the conversation going. lol
@soulsings
Ohh, removing clutter. <3 I read Marie Kondo's book way back and followed it to the letter. I used to hate all housework and am still not fond of a lot of it, but now that I am only left with clothes that spark joy, folding fresh laundry is something I do slowly and mindfully. It makes me feel at peace.
@Trespaiseslindos it takes a certain mood to make it pain free but when I get the inspiration it happens.
