Here are some effective self-care strategies to help soothe your depression symptoms.
Self-care is incredibly important for all individuals, especially for people with depression; however, our Warwick, RI, psychologists understand that self-care can be challenging for those with depression when even simple acts like getting out of bed or taking a shower are hard. Here are some helpful and simple self-care strategies that can improve your symptoms and your well-being.
Listen to Your Body
Unless you have depression, many people don’t realize the physical toll it can take on a person’s body. From stomach upset to feeling exhausted, it’s important to listen to your body and honor what it needs. Maybe you need to sweat it out at the gym and get out some aggression or you need to stay in, curl up and watch your favorite movie. By being entuned with your body and being able to deduce what you need, your self-care routine will get better and better (and you may even see symptoms subsiding).
Take Deep Breaths
If you find yourself feeling anxious throughout the day it could be due to shallow breathing. This is a vicious cycle in which our daily stressors can lead to shallow breathing and shallow breathing can lead to more stress. It’s important to take time out throughout the day to be mindful of your breathing.
Deep breathing boosts endorphins and can help ease those feelings of anxiety. You can practice breathwork throughout the day or you may choose to carve out 10-15 minutes in the morning and at night to help reduce feelings of nervousness and anxiety.
Celebrate all the Small Wins
When we think of self-care, we often think about champagne bubble baths or a luxurious spa day, but sometimes self-care means brushing your teeth or getting 8 hours of sleep. Something that our Warwick, RI, psychologists will tell patients with depression is that even the smallest self-care measures are little victories.
Celebrate and reward yourself for brushing your teeth, taking a shower, or getting out of bed. These aren’t small things for someone with depression. Be your own cheerleader and pat yourself on the back for the self-care measures you are taking.
Take these different self-care tips one at a time so you don’t get overwhelmed. Remember, even the smallest steps toward self-care can improve your depression. If you’re struggling with depression, our Warwick, RI, psychologists can help. Call Strategic Psychological Services at (401) 785-0040 to schedule an appointment.