In depressing times, we have to
take care of ourselves. Please
note: if you have (as I do)
clinical depression, none of the things I am about to write are a substitute
for professional help; they just help the help to work and are good practice
for healthy living. If you need
medication, take it. If you need
therapy, get it. All this stuff is
bonus points for the clinically depressed and may be more than we can handle on
any given day. If you are
breathing and awake, good for you!
And if you need someone, I am here for you. End of disclaimer.
On to the ways to take care of ourselves.
Drink. Water. Lots of
it. We make bad decisions when we
are dehydrated. We get crabby and
headachy and tired. Watch out for
the alcohol because it dehydrates us, among other effects.
Eat good food. If we seek solutions in the bottom of
potato chip bags, we probably won’t find them. Even the prizes in the Frosted Flakes box are
overrated. Enough protein,
high-quality carbohydrates, good fats, fresh ingredients: these nourish us.
Move. Crawl, if that is all we can manage. But let’s try to dance instead, or walk
with a friend.
Connect. Call somebody. Do a favor. Give a hug. We
don’t have to be alone.
Make a joke. Even a really bad one. Especially a really bad one (they are
my favorite). When it is a
laugh-or-cry situation, choose the laughter.
You are a wonderful human
being. No one is like you. The world needs you. Do what you need to do to be the best
you possible.
