Ways to De-stress When Life Gets You Down

As someone who has lived with major depression for most of my life, I’ve become somewhat of an expert through the years on ways to turn around feelings of depression and stress. From reading books, talking to therapists and just personal experience, here are a few ways I have learned that help me to cope:

Buy a daily calendar and use it.

We all get bogged down with having to remember a multitude of things daily, so take that stress off by writing it all down. Write notes to yourself, and try not to schedule two appointments at the same time. If you prefer a handheld recording device, use that instead. It is a relief to have something you can turn to, and not rely solely on memory.

Do one thing at a time.

Don’t do too many things at once, because it can make you overloaded if you do. Simplify by completing one task at a time. It is more organized and logical to do this. Focus your whole self on each project, one at a time. Don’t allow yourself to be distracted by other things, fully concentrate at the task at hand.

Take breaks to rejuvenate your mind.

By taking a breather between tasks at work or home, you “recharge your batteries” and pump up your energy a little. Go outside and get a breath of fresh air, go off alone and think. Whatever it is that makes you feel calm, do it. When you return to your work, your concentration may be increased by doing this.

Drink decaffeinated coffee, or at least half-decaf.

Coffee is a staple in my world. Without it, I would wither up and keel over. Drinking a pot a day frequently, I mix caffeinated and decaf coffees together to avoid being overly twitchy and nervous. It works fine, and nowadays you can get many flavors of coffee in decaf. By not overloading your body with stimulants, you will do it, and yourself, a favor.

Avoid people who are rude, hostile or aggressive.

Anyone who is a negative influence doesn’t deserve your time or energy so it is best to avoid them. Be around people who are kind, stimulating and respectful. When it comes to working with rude types, you cannot fully avoid it, so do your best to tune them out mentally. If they try to get on your nerves, don’t show emotion at all. That is what they want. Keep cool and be the better person, by saying what you have to say, and doing what you want to do. But never fight back, just be calm, cool and in control. That makes them look like an even bigger jerk in the end. And you keep your dignity intact.