Depression got you in its teeth? Fight back with novelty and gentle self-care.
- Listen to someone else’s Ipod or a radio station. Choose music you don’t know. It’s a way to go somewhere new without leaving the room.
- Take a cold shower. It will distract your nervous system.
- Okay don’t take a cold shower, take a hot shower and rub lotion into your skin for as long as you can. Do it to music you don’t know.
- Watch George Carlin routines. A good dose of vicarious rage does wonders.
- Watch flash mob videos on YouTube. Your inner spear carrier will thank you.
- Eat something green.
- Put an orange on the table. Put the palm of your hand on top of the orange. Go in circles. It will relax your face.
- Remember that you’ll feel better around 4:00 p.m. and that mornings are the worst.
- Walk it out.
- While you are out, pet someone’s dog.
- Remember that depression distorts the feel of time.
I know you don’t want to do any of these things. I know you want someone to do it for you. Shake your fist at the ceiling and rail against the injustice. Do it now.
