How do you find joy and peace throughout the day?
Hi all, I have been struggling with anxiety and depression for all my life, even though it feels mostly under control at the moment, I am going through a period where nothing in my life feels positive. I moved about a year ago to a new town where I still haven't made any friends, I really don't enjoy my job, and my boyfriend whom I live with is also going through a period of depression, so while he used to be a source of positivity and comfort in my life, now he is always in a bad mood. In addition I feel overwhelmed by the amount of negative things happening in the world. My therapist is encouraging me to find small moments of happiness throughout the day, and to focus on those. But I am really struggling to do that. The only part of my day that I really enjoy is having morning coffee on my porch before the day starts- but how are those 15 minutes supposed to make up for the next 16 hours? Thank you in advance for any tips you have.
You have to love your job and try being positive
I know finding a new job is easier said than done, but try to seek a new opportunity whenever you can. Stress at work is a huge deal, at least for me, that's why I can understand how unpleasant it is. Also try to discover a different outlook. Wish you all the best.
Can you add "leaving from work" to your good things list. 🤠Or could you add a nice after work snack that could lift your mood? Depression can be hard when feels like nothing can lift you up, but I've noticed that when I'm at my worst, I start telling my self no to everything. Like "I can't eat that food cos that's not healthy enough" etc. Then I sometimes notice something that could make me feel better if I just allowed myself to do it. So perhaps you could write down a list of nice things and try to add them to your everyday life?
Thank you, this is helpful. Only problem is I find myself eating so unhealthily when I'm depressed because junk food is one of the only treats that I can look forward to
I have depression too and it's tough. I think it's good you are starting your day on a positive note. All the advice I'm going to give is advice I need to give to myself right now, too. These are all old "tried and true" suggestions, but they do help. 1) Physical Movement: For me, it's swimming. Walk, dance, bike, just move....a lot. 2) Cut out alcohol and drugs if they are in your life and seek recovery groups, if needed. 3) Eat well. Whole foods, nothing processed. Lots of vegetables and fruit and whole grains. 4) Consult a good psychiatrist if you feel you need meds. 5) Enjoy some hobbies (reading, writing, art, movies) 6) Do a daily gratitude list...even if it's small things like, I am grateful for my home, etc. I hope these suggestions help! And I hope I can utilize them too.