I received some heartbreaking news this week that an old high school friend took his life. I sat in shock for several days reflecting back on all the fun times we had in school together. Thinking of his smiling face, I could not wrap my mind around the fact that he would ever do such a thing.
This was a huge reminder for me that you never know what is going on inside someone. In addition, it brought total awareness to the importance of checking in on friends and family to see how they are doing and continuing to follow up with them if you have a concern about their well-being. It just takes a quick phone call and a few kind words to elevate someone in need.
I have personally gone through short bouts of depression caused by challenging circumstances or even the heaviness of the world. Sometimes I can not put my finger on the reason, but I feel down non-the-less.
During these times, it is very hard to pull myself out of the mud and get things moving forward again. Although people experience a wide range of depression severity and may have tools that work best for them to enhance their well-being, I thought I would share a few things I do to get myself out of a hole.
I always start small with what comes easiest for me and build on my actions until I feel better. Maybe choose one or two today and just notice how you feel afterwards.
- Sit in the sun with your eyes closed, absorbing the warm light on your face.
- Pause for one minute and breathe.
- Listen to your favorite uplifting music (80’s music for me)
- Go for a walk in nature.
- Drink a warm soothing drink.
- Do some cardiovascular movement to get your heartrate up for 20-30 minutes(running, biking etc.)
- Connect with friends and family who lift you up and have your best interest in mind.
- Spend quality time with your pets or favorite animals in nature.
- Meditate for just one minute visualizing a huge weight being lifted off of your shoulders.
- Do what you love.
- Create something.
- Volunteer somewhere to bring your attention to others.
- Get lots of rest.
- Watch something funny on TV.
- Nurture yourself.
- Be compassionate with yourself.
These things are easier said than done when you are feeling at your lowest. Maybe it is possible for you to try one of these methods today and see if it makes the tiniest difference in your life. Thinking of you and sending you lots of healing energy.
This week’s very short yoga class is a great way to take the first step towards enhancing your mental state.
This week’s short 10-minute floor yoga class, Yoga for Depression, is all about observing your current mental state and moving towards lightening the heaviness. Through Breath of Fire, Heart Openers and other energizing postures, we will journey on a path to releasing some of the emotional burdens that way us down. Yoga with Meditation Mutha is for everyBODY. Please join me in this opportunity to acknowledge your current mental condition with no judgement, work through the heavy emotions and make it through to the other side.
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