We hear it so much and take it for granted, but small cliche words of advice can genuinely help you get through a low period or even just a regular day.

1. Drink water:

I know how obvious this is and how it’s practically become a culture of its own (#stayhydrated), but your body needs water. Physically and mentally, you benefit from it, whether it’s making you feel not dizzy and drained or focused and awake.

2. Go outside:

Even if you don’t like nature, just take a step outside and inhale. Fresh air is really important when you’ve been feeling stressed, anxious, depressed, etc. Or if you’ve just been inside all day. If you do like nature though, taking a walk on a forest path or even just through a park can lift your mood and make you feel more leveled.

3. Take a shower:

This sounds like it should just be part of your daily life but sometimes it’s hard to fit it in. When you’re overwhelmed with work and stress and trying to get so much done in one day, taking a shower is easy to forget. Plus, if you’re going through a depressive period, it’s very easy to skip over personal hygiene. Make yourself get up; take a break and shower. Again, it’ll benefit you physically and mentally.

4. Stretch:

Whether you’re flexible or not, just take a few minutes, even seconds, to stretch. Let it relax you while waking you up. Anything in your body that feels sore or tight or dull, stretch it, feel the stretch seep through you and breathe.

5. Breathe:

Speaking of breathing, do it. You need to in order to live but also just taking a moment to take some deep breaths can focus you and give you a chance to calm down, even if you already feel like your calm. There’s most likely stress in your life that you don’t realize is there.

6. Let it out:

Whatever it is that you’re holding it, release it. This can be through art, music, writing, talking, running, etc. Anything to let you get all the pent up emotion and thoughts out of you in a positive way is so important. When you’re left alone with everything in your head, it can weigh you down and you just ruminate and let it consume you. Focus this weight into something creative or beneficial to your body. Do not hurt yourself. Do not sit and absorb it. Use your negative, heavy energy to your advantage.

You deserve love and care, especially from yourself, to yourself. As much as you hear this stuff and it’s just become static “advice” it’s still good to keep in mind and put to use. You got this.