Here’s the thing
I’m going to let you in on a top secret super simple mental health life hack that will change your life. And no, I’m definitely not overhyping or exaggerating! But first, let’s talk about a common way that depression/anxiety/insecurity/trauma/fear affects us….We don’t want to leave our house. In fact, the thought of leaving your house can be so overwhelming or exhausting that you decide to scrap it and not even leave your bed. Sound familiar?
Picture this:
You have a day off and sleep in, once you are finally awake enough you start to feel restless and a little wallow-y (let’s just pretend that’s a word) and decide to ride it out on your couch. An hour later you get a text from a friend inviting you to go to Target/lunch/on a hike. Now here’s the dilemma: you aren’t dressed and don’t have shoes on and the thought of doing those things sounds absolutely exhausting. The effort, it’s too much!!!
You know what could have helped here? If when you first woke up you immediately put on clothes and shoes so that if opportunity comes knocking, there’s one less obstacle standing in your way.
Let’s be real
Depression is already a pretty huge obstacle to doing things. Same goes for anxiety, fear, and insecurity. A key struggle among these issues is decision fatigue. Making a decision is more difficult than usual and can result in this sense of frozenness when presented with options. By putting on your shoes before you start your day you are taking away one more decision that may keep you from social interaction later on in the day. Girl, put your shoes on.
We’ve all been in that situation where we already took our shoes/bra/makeup off for the day and then we get an invite to go somewhere. It’s ok to say no of course! But, if you tend to error on that side in general it can quickly turn into isolation and unhealthy alone time.
Hear me say this
This is not me saying you have to go to everything you get invited to or that you are lazy for wanting to stay home- that’s NOT what I’m saying! In fact, I think when you are actively fighting for good mental health you actually need to allow yourself times where you aren’t in the fight and are resting. You are tired because DEPRESSION makes you tired. You feel overwhelmed because ANXIETY makes you overwhelmed. YOU are not lazy or weak or a loner, you are simply someone who is being affected by their mental health and some days can’t beat it. Just because you lost the fight yesterday doesn’t mean you aren’t still fighting. Every warrior needs a water break.
I repeat, every warrior needs a water break
So, allow yourself the water breaks, but also get in the fight by putting on your dang shoes! For further evidence, check out these pictures below. You’ll notice that shoes were worn in every single one and in fact, that adventure would not have happened if I didn’t first put my shoes on. =)
So, if you are in the fight or on your water break, you can get help. My office in San Marcos, Tx is a place for you. For the weary, for the anxious, for the numb. Counseling for your depression and anxiety can help. Let’s get you back in the field and on to life adventures (or you know, just dinner with friends ;) And if you know anyone who might benefit from this tip please share this post with them!