15 More Things to Do When You're Anxious and/or Depressed
Originally published on August 03rd, 2019
Almost a year and a half ago I made a list with 50 things I do when I’m feeling anxious and/or depressed. This list became something that I started turning to when I needed a reminder of what makes me feel better when I’m not feeling my best. Last week, when I was having a hard day, I went to the list and looked through it, only to discover that a lot of things I’ve started doing in the past year weren’t on it. Since starting college and experiencing so many new things, I’ve started to cope with negative emotions in new ways. Sure, there are lots of things on the original list (like going for walks or drinking tea) that definitely still help, but there are a few more things that I tend to turn to more often now. So here is an updated list of sorts, with 15 more things to do if you’re feeling anxious and/or depressed.
Sing
Research something you find interesting
Or stop researching something you’ve been thinking about too much
Call/Skype a friend
Go see a friend in real life
Turn off social media for a little while
Cross one thing off your to-do list (even if it’s a little thing, because the little things are often the hardest)
Or cross something off your to-do list that you don’t need to do today, and then move it to another day when you’ll be feeling better
Diffuse essential oils (orange is my favorite right now)
Put the news away
Consider if maybe you’re spending too much time with the wrong people.
Stretch.
Watch poetry videos (Sarah Kay and Phil Kaye are my favorites!)
Take a nap
Massage your hand (it releases oxytocin)
If you’re curious about the original list of 50 things, click here.