Living with depression is hard, everyone knows that. It can get even harder if you live a busy life that doesn't really give you time to just focus on yourself and your health. I know that many people view college as a stress-free place where all you do is sleep in class and drink Thursday through Saturday. But those who are in college know that is not entirely the case, especially those with depression.
For people with depression, college is a place where you're constantly busy and have no time to focus on your health, especially your mental health. And lets be honest, yes we get breaks, but one week off here and there and random gaps between semesters only flusters you more. I'm here to share with you my everyday tips to make sure I have the best day I can while living with depression and being a full-time busy college student.
Smile everyday.
Even if you aren't in the mood to smile, do it. Smile at people who you walk by on campus, smile at yourself in the mirror every time you stand in front of one, and smile when you're just sitting by yourself. You don't need some big reason to smile — just do it!
Take your time.
Try to plan out your day so you're not rushed. Rushing will only spike up your anxiety and make you feel stressed, causing you to be unhappy.
Open your eyes and look around.
One thing our generation is notorious for is having our heads in our phones and not taking the time to look around. I encourage you to not text while walking but instead look around you and actually take in your surroundings with curiosity and appreciation. You'd be surprised at all the beauty you miss because you're too stressed by what you're missing on Twitter. This simple action will also help encourage you to smile at the people you pass while walking.
One negative leads to two positives.
I know that not everyone believes in Karma, but in the end, we all believe somewhat in the fact that if you do something mean it will come around right back to you. I have a rule that I follow that says that if I say or do one bad thing, I immediately have to say or do two positive things. This action makes me realize how much negative energy I am attracting by thinking negatively about another person. Negative energy is not worth your time, simple as that.
Indulge in something that makes you happy.
Every day, pick something out that you know makes you feel joy, and indulge in it. If it's a song, blast it and sing your heart out. If it's a piece of candy or food take a bite or three; it is not the end of the world as long as you don't over do it. This could also be where you take the time to talk to someone who makes you happy. Doesn't matter if its a best friend or relative, as long as it is someone who provides you with love.
Find time for yourself.
Socializing is important but so is quality alone time. Even if it is only for thirty minutes a day, you should try to remove yourself from the world and just relax. I personally encourage you to take this time to meditate; close your eyes and just ignore the world and all its stress.
Get some exercise.
I know that life can be busy in college, but it's important for both your mental health and your physical health to get some form of daily exercise. If you can, take a class at the gym or go with some friends, but if you don't have that time then at least take the longer, scenic route to class. Try doing simple yoga moves in the morning when you get up to get the blood pumping and then again before you go to bed to relax. Overall, don't stay sitting or napping, get moving!
Just breathe.
Focusing on your breathing is usually not something we think of doing, but when you're feeling stressed or a spike of negative emotions, it's good to just stop and focus on your breathing. Take a deep breath and reset yourself, know that you are going to be alright and feel it in your chest. Life is beautiful to have.
Create your own sunshine.
Above all, be your own light. Radiate happiness and love even when you think you can't feel it within yourself; search for it because it is there and wants to shine out of you like rays of sunshine. Live the beautiful life you deserve and show the world that too.
