I suffer from depression and anxiety. And that’s okay.
I know I’m not the only one out there who has been totally beaten down by this last year. I figured I’d share some things I like to do when I’m feeling low so it could help someone out there.
What I use to get me through those rough days:
Coloring: I use my Shop Amanda Rach Lee Doodle Planner to track my mental health journey and color in. I also have this as a tool to write down quotes my therapist says to me so I engrain them into my memory. Also, I use the app Color Happy on my phone and iPad to color digitally. Great for if you are in a public place and need an immediate release to help ease anxiety.
Essential oils: I’m not trying to convert or sell here. I’m a huge believer in science and use these to supplement and fill in the gaps that a pill and therapy doesn’t do. I take my meds every morning and have weekly therapy. But sometimes lavender oil just does it, man. We diffuse oils regularly in our house and I always have my favorite anxiety blend on hand to smell and focus on when times get difficult.
Cuddle my dogs: These boys truly are my entire world. There aren’t enough words to describe how important it is to me to spend a giant portion of my day cuddling and loving on each of them. Their energy is so loving and uplifting and not something I can get from most humans.
Bath time: By now it is no secret that I am an avid bath taker. Adding in some extra goodies into the water just does something for me, man. You know I’m a big Lush fan, but whatever makes you feel calm and amazing is what you should use.
Video game: I am not one for video games with a ton of violence. Games like Animal Crossing or the Sims are my favorites for when I am feeling low. There isn’t any high stakes that can have an extra effect on me.
ASMR videos: Yeah, I know. I’m one of those weirdos. I know it’s weird, but there is something so calming about something just tapping on something that is so calming to me. If you experience this sensation and aren’t creeped out my whispering, give it a shot. Sometimes I even color and listen to ASMR while I do so to really get calm. Some of my favorites are Tena ASMR, Karuna Satori, and Whispers Red.