
Using Habits to Overcome Depression
Theophilus Mensah
Description
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">I’ve been very open about my struggle with depression in the past. Though I am doing great now, I still remember what it was like.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A listener recently told us that they were just coming out of their own struggle with depression, but were feeling overwhelmed with building back their healthy habits.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This is not something that I want to be an expert in, but the truth is that I am.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">We can’t expect everything to be fixed immediately. We didn’t fall into depression overnight, so we won’t come out of it overnight, either. It’s a process that takes time.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">However, there are things you can be doing to jumpstart that process.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Some of the things that helped me were getting out into the sun, exercising, and spending time with other people. I didn’t always feel like doing these things, but I forced myself. Eventually, they brought healing and made me feel much better.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Another helpful practice was scheduling my priorities. Get into your calendar and put the habits in there that you want to start again. Schedule the things that will help you. You can establish a new routine this way.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Be very mindful about the way you’re treating your body, as well. Caffeine and alcohol can be really harmful. Pay attention to the way your body reacts to certain foods at certain times. Take any stressful things you can out of your life and try to keep an environment of calmness around you.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Always make sure to get lots of sleep, too. That can make the biggest difference of all.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Hopefully, my openness encourages you to be honest with the people around you. If you’re honest about your struggle, the people in y