5 WAYS TO AVOID ON-SET DEPRESSION DURING COVID-
IS EVERYONE IN YOUR HOUSE SITTING AROUND LOOKING LOST???
DO NOT GIVE IN TO DEPRESSION!!!
Yes It's true, we are seeing a Hugh spike in on-set depression also known as "Situational Depression" since the Corona Virus attack on our modern day way of life. Sadly many feel lost, bewildered, and concerned for the future. The best thing you can do now, is wait in your house for the world to return to the way we knew it, the way we liked it, the way we were! in the meantime there are some amazing things you can do to get those neuron transmitters zinging, and keep the mood in your home lovely and bright.
#1. SET A SCHEDULE- FOLLOW A DAILY ROUTINE (STAY BUSY)
Routines keep us busy. believe it or not even children crave a schedule! Feeling lost, without purpose or direction can trigger depression. remember this too shall pass,and when it does you'll want to come out of your house stronger, healthier and wiser! Create a routine for your family. Include things like healthy cooking lessons, painting time, reading time, workout time, my family has family Karaoke hour at 4 p.m. because fun has to be apart of the routine. everyone is worried, and under enough pressure so keep the atmosphere relaxed and positive.
#2. Cleanliness Is next to Godliness (STAY CLEAN)
O.K. that's a bit mellow-dramatic ha! However studies do show that a clean environment elevates mood tremendously. Add some daily cleaning to that schedule. Keeping your environment nice and tidy makes your space more relaxing and tolerable, particularly if you have toddlers running about and teens changing clothes 20 times a day just to go to... living room *sigh. Get everyone involved in the clean up party. it will pass the time and keep everyone feeling accomplished and well balanced, Cleaning your body is also a daily must for everyone in the home, to keep the troops smiling.
#3. Take Long Deep Breaths 3000 times a day (STAY CALM)
This should be #1 really, but it truly is the most important rule to maintaining peace and order in your house. Let more slide than you usually do! This is a stressful time and EVERYONE in your house is feeling the pressure. Even infants can feel the shift in your mood and the atmosphere. Being in close quarters for extended amounts of time can be tough, emotions can run sky high. You have control over your responses. People are more likely to lash out when under pressure, now is not the time for battle royal the home-edition. Be the calm you want to see in your home when others seem to be melting down, take several deep breaths and remain relaxed. Sometimes the best way to quench the fires of disagreement is to go to separate corners and re-group at dinner. Just remember now is not the time to lose your LL-COOL-J. In a house full of hot tamales Be the Cool whip my friends.
#4. Keep your head held high. (STAY OPTIMISTIC)
Yes the mini-troops are watching, you need to set the bar high when it comes to hope. How about for your own sanity as well, you remain hopeful about this difficult moment. Don't forget to remind yourself and others that no matter what is going on FAITH, LOVE, and HOPE will always prevail. When saying those night time prayers (of course you do) remember to be thankful for all you have. Let your gratitude remind you of how blessed we all are, for every breath we take is a precious gift. Let this serve as a reminder that we must treasure and appreciate the time we have together. None of us are invincible, we are all on the clock of life. God forbid we neglect to not only acknowledge and accept our own inevitable mortality, but let us also acknowledge the wonderful vast magnificent gift of life that we have been blessed with. let us not give in to the notion that life is a burden, but rather let us celebrate each and every moment with the ones we love.
#5. Go Outside (STAY IN THE SUN)
WAIT..... DO NOT GO RUNNING FOR THE BEACH. (sorry) It's true most of our public hang outs are closed for business, that does not mean you can't go for a walk. You need the Vitamin D produced most organically by the sun. Remember, if you have kids they also need to burn off some energy and soak in some nutrients. Going for a jog or walk is a great way to burn off some steam. Many of us are being asked to stay home, this does not mean you can't walk the block, or even have family exercise time in the back yard. Make it fun, take turns being the fitness teacher, let the kids enjoy some silly time. Tho It is not recommended that you go to the park, and you DO need to maintain practicing Social-Distancing, you can still take a walk around the neighborhood, do not lock yourself inside in the dark!! Open the curtains, let the sunshine in and get in the sun at least for 30 min. a day!!
Please remember to share, to love, to be kind, not to panic. Remember we as a people have prayed our way through worse difficulties, and we've fought our way through greater battles. This is a war we will win.
STAY ENCOURAGED!!!
