It's that time of year when my anxiety and depression decide they need to come home for the holidays and really get in my business. There hasn't been a long enough break from school yet, the projects are starting to flood in, and this year we had the most emotionally exhausting election that I've been around for. I'm lucky to have my mental health taken care of by taking medication, but even that can't protect me from what's been going on. It's been a draining month so far and I don't think it will get any easier until the semester is over.
My anxiety and depression mingle together in a way that makes me stressed and nervous about every little thing but completely apathetic and unwilling to do anything to help it. I feel emotionally drained because of it, and I think right now everyone does, even if they don't struggle with what I do. Here are some ways that I take care of myself and deal with my mental health:
1. Take A Shower Or Bath
My preference in this situation is to take a bath (I love a good bath bomb), but since I'm doomed to communal showers right now, I have to settle for a hot shower instead. I carry my stress in my shoulders and my jaw. Devoting some time to taking the tension out of your body is so important. When I need a break from the world, I get in the shower and refuse to let myself rush through it. Thoroughly washing your hair, face, and body is a great way to show yourself some love; your body matters and so do you. After taking a long shower, I feel more relaxed, refreshed, and ready to continue on with my responsibilities.
2. Podcasts & Simple Activities
While relatively infrequent, I do get some pretty nasty panic attacks. It's hard for me to focus on anything except for the thing that is freaking me out (or in most cases, many, many things). I've found a pretty good remedy to calm myself down. I'll put on my favorite podcast, or sometimes an audiobook I've listened to before, and then do something like playa game, draw, or crochet. I make myself focus on what I'm listening to so that I can't listen to my spiraling thoughts and I've got something to do with my hands to keep me busy. Once I'm focused on something other than my stress, I'm able to calm myself down and either deal with the situation or move past it.
3. Take A Walk
It's my favorite time of year to do this because the air is cold and crisp. It's amazing how fast that can clear my head. On Wednesday I felt like I was going to jump out of my skin, so I went outside and walked around campus. I ended up sitting on a secluded bench with my eyes closed and just breathing for awhile. I felt a little less hopeless after I took the time to do that.
4. Hit the Gym
Something about physically working off all myemotions really does the trick for me. I put on my loudest and most powerful music and just destroy that elliptical machine. Exercising totally boosts you up and can help you get all that nervous energy out. Plus, it goes great with that nice long shower!
5. Clean Everything
Sometimes if you can't put your life together emotionally, cleaning up and organizing your space can be just as good. While I was watching the election coverage, I swept, vacuumed, dusted, folded clothes, organized my desk, and re-organized my makeup drawer. When my room is clean, I feel so peaceful. And, I will always stand by this, making your bed can change your whole outlook on life. When I'm at home, I like to rearrange my bedroom (I get this from my mom, who rearranges the living room every three months). Something fresh can make life look a little less dreary. The promise of change can have you feeling incredibly hopeful.
It's so hard to get past the why bother? of taking care of yourself when life looks bad, and I've been struggling with it for the past week. But practicing self care and self love is more important than ever when you're feeling at your worst. You are worth the effort. Give yourself the time, love, and especially patience that you extend to the people in your life that you care about. We don't have to stay positive at every moment, but we do need to stay healthy.
