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activities to help with anxiety/depression

sachoo profile image
10 Replies

here are some things that could help distract you if you're feeling anxious or depressed - i don't do half of these things myself, so this list is for me also, to tell me that sometimes i have to get off my ass

they may not work and sometimes it's hard to even have the energy to do them, but it's worth it, and whenever you feel okay enough to push yourself, maybe try one of these... :)

EXERCISE: going for a walk, jogging or running, cycling, swimming, home workouts, dancing (you can just put on your favourite music and just dance as ridiculously as you want), yoga or stretching

CREATIVE ACTIVITIES: painting, drawing or any art, writing a story, writing in a diary, making a little movie or video, writing a song or composing a song, playing on an instrument (if you don't know how to, maybe you can try and teach yourself), reading a book, puzzles or games, doing your hair or makeup, cooking or baking (even if you're a bad cook, it's sometimes fun to make some food from scratch), sewing or knitting or embroidery, DIY projects (make your own handbag or paint your cupboards)

RELAXING ACTIVITIES: taking a shower or bath, washing your hair, having a pampering session (doing face masks, a massage, put candles on or make some tea), meditate, listen to a relaxing podcast or music, paint your nails

PRODUCTIVE ACTIVITIES: cleaning your room, making a list of things that need to be done, getting some of your school/work stuff done, organise, make a schedule or daily routine, schedule a meet up with your friends or family (remember to social distance), keep your mind sharp by doing games or activities like crosswords or word-searches or sudoku, research things you're interested in (maybe work related), do an online course,

REFLECTING: find out why you feel the way you feel, mind map all your emotions, write down how you feel, make a daily chart and put a smiley face or a sad face depending on how you feel, come on here and speak to others who experience your issues, evaluate everything in your life and get rid of the things you don't need or that cause you pain, look in the mirror and force a smile (tell yourself you are beautiful and strong)

OTHER: going for a drive, watching tv or a movie, listening to music, sleep (i love sleep), eat something, online shopping (treat yourself), speak to your friends, sunbathe, watch youtube videos, maybe get a tattoo to commemorate your strength, dye your hair or get a haircut, play with your pet (i wish i had a dog)

i hope this helped, let me know if you have any other suggestions - sending love to you all

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sachoo profile image
sachoo
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10 Replies
QuiltLady profile image
QuiltLady

Thank you for the great tips. One thing that helps me is to tell myself that I just need to make it through today. I have to try not to dwell on the "what ifs" of tomorrow because that's when I start to feel nervous.

sachoo profile image
sachoo in reply to QuiltLady

thanks for your message,

that's a great way to think, i always also fret about tomorrow and the future, it's scary sometimes but we have to remember that getting through today is an achievement and we're all doing well

hope you have a great day :)

Agora1 profile image
Agora1 in reply to QuiltLady

QuiltLady, you are so right in that "what ifs" will take us down the wrong

road each and every time. :) xx

FranVarg profile image
FranVarg

Love this, never thought about painting till I read this!!

sachoo profile image
sachoo in reply to FranVarg

glad you like it, hopefully you can do one of those things. i love painting, i do it a lot, it's really fun and helps relax you. 😊

kv3011 profile image
kv3011

Can we make this a threat where people can post different ideas to help with depression and anxiety?!

I love to dance (not well) but it helps me when I listen to hops beats and lyrics that are uplifting.

Don’t Be So Hard On Yourself by Jess Glynne is AMAZING! The lyrics are honesty so touching. Every time I listen to it I dance, jump, scream and cry the lyrics.

sachoo profile image
sachoo in reply to kv3011

yes that would be great, i want to hear what others do

that song is super upbeat and uplifting

and i love dancing badly to great music also

Kainan profile image
Kainan

Great list! Highlight of my day: taking a shower when I get home after a long hot day

sachoo profile image
sachoo in reply to Kainan

thankss!! that sounds great 😊

sachoo profile image
sachoo

wow i've never done that! that's a good one😊

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