12 Helpful Tips For Being A Functional Human With Depression | The Odyssey Online
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Health and Wellness

12 Helpful Tips For Being A Functional Human With Depression

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12 Helpful Tips For Being A Functional Human With Depression
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�Hi there! As a human creature who was diagnosed with clinical depression at a young age, I can say from experience that it's pretty difficult to be productive or find the motivation to do anything (even if it's vaguely interesting). As an adult that needs to be productive in order to survive in this world, you can do these little things everyday to keep yourself from drowning in the armpit of despair. I realize that depression is different for every person who experiences it, and can't be grossly simplified to: "Hey, this random list from the internet will fix it!", but here you go.

1) MAKE A LIST!

Writing out your goals, and being able to visually conceptualize them can make them easier and less daunting to accomplish. Crossing off completed tasks also feels really satisfying.

2) ... Even if It's for Little Tasks Like Making Your Bed or Brushing Your Teeth.

Writing things like this down will help you remember that taking care of yourself is also an important priority.

3) Write Important Tasks and Appointments Out on a Calendar

I mean a really big calendar on the wall (that you can't miss if you tried). This will show you exactly what you need to do for the upcoming days so you aren't overwhelmed to the point where you panic and shut down.

4) Set a Sleep Schedule

Sleep makes you less anxious and more likely to function the next day.

5) Remember to EAT!

Food keeps you alive. It's just something you need to fit into your schedule.

6) What To Do With the Extra Energy

Being sedentary can actually worsen depression symptoms. So, exercise! Along with making you exhausted enough to actually sleep, being active also releases endorphins (happy hormones that can help uplift your mood).

7) Feeling Clean Helps

Think of your body as a building. If it feels nice to live in, it will motivate you to keep it feeling nice to live in.

8) Also, Keep Your Living Space Clean

Now, apply that same concept to an actual building. This will make it easier to focus, without getting easily overwhelmed. if you live with other people, it will also show that you care about their well-being too.

9) Being Warm

Taking a warm shower or snuggling under a blanket has the same biological affect as cuddling with another human being, and releases a fun hormone called oxytocin, which can make you feel safe and sleepy.

10) Reach Out to the Other Human Creatures in Your Life

�

Nothing gives life a little zest like human interaction.

11) Structure Is Cool

Do activities that require you to adhere to deadlines, so there is always something you have to do (i.e. writing a blog, or a web-comic, or homework, etc...).

12) Appreciate What You Have Accomplished... Even If It's Just Getting Out of Bed.

Don't beat yourself up.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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