Often when I am in one of my low states of depression I neglect self-care. Really, I neglect almost everything. It takes so much energy just to make it through the day that all the extras in life just fall by the wayside. There are days when it is so bad that I don’t even brush my hair. I try not to let myself fall that far down the rabbit hole, but living with PTSD has its ups and downs. I have written about my battle with anxiety and agoraphobia but not much about the depression that comes in like a wave until I am completely covered. One reason I don’t write much about it is that when the wave hits, I don’t want to do anything, not write nor read nor even get out of bed most days. It seems that when I am in that deep dark rabbit hole it takes all my energy just to look up at the tiny pinprick of light that gives me hope that one day I can climb out.
During my latest bought of depression, I was given the opportunity to review a luxury line of skincare products. When the package of the Emior Skincare line arrived, I thought this is the perfect opportunity to do a little self-care even if I wasn’t feeling it. My motto during my depressive states is
So that being said, I decided to use this opportunity to give myself a mini facial. Emior sent me their entire line of rich luxurious anti-aging products to try for free. It included a gel cleanser, a fruit exfoliator for deep cleaning, an organic anti-aging serum, and an eye cream to target those pesky crows feet.
The mini facial left my face feeling clean and refreshed. It gave me that little boost I needed to start feeling like me again. I think I am going to make Emior my new daily routine. It is made in the USA, has no artificial colors or fragrances, and contains natural ingredients like snow algae, sandalwood, fruit extract and shea butter. It’s good to pamper myself. I deserve it. You deserve it. We all deserve it.
5 Tips for Getting Out of a Funk
Pamper Yourself
Make yourself get up and take a nice hot shower or a nice long bath. Use that bath oil you have been saving for a special occasion. Have a mini facial like I described above or paint your nails. Do something that makes you feel special. Drink a cup of that tea you’ve been saving for a special occasion. Pour it into your grandmother’s special teacup and drink it while you soak your feet.
Get Fresh Air
You can tell by looking at my house that I am down the rabbit hole. My curtains are drawn and my windows are shut tight. Get up and open those curtains, throw open those windows, and breath in some fresh air. Go outside even if it’s just to your front porch. Step out your door and just take a moment to feel the breeze and listen to nature. Take a walk. Go to a park and get close to nature. Listen to the birds and the squirrels chattering in the trees. I hear ya. ‘But what if I live in the city?’ then go outside put on your headphones and listen this beautiful spring morning. or any other nature sounds you can find.
Connect with People
Call your mom, your kids, or an old friend that makes you laugh. Invite someone over for a marathon of funny movies. Invite a friend to go to a comedy show and spend the evening laughing. Reach out on the internet and talk with some of the people you follow on social media. Take up a hobby and find others who share your interest. Find a book club, a knitting circle, or a birdwatching group. There are tons of support groups out there both online and offline but I find that when I am down, the last thing I want to do sit around with other people who feel down. If it works for you then great. I have found support groups that have really helped me especially in times of crisis and when I left my abusive marriage, my domestic violence survivors group was my lifeline.
Eat Healthy Food
Put down the chips. Toss the ice cream. I see that stash of candy you have hidden under your pillow. Sugar and empty carbs will not make your life better. I don’t know why when I am feeling depressed, I crave sugar and carbs. I know some of you don’t eat when you are depressed so I’m talking to you too. Get up and eat a healthy meal with lots of fruits and veggies. Drink a couple big glasses of water. Have a nice cleansing smoothie. Put some proper nutrients into your body and you will begin to feel better.
Dance and Sing
Remember how much fun it was as a child to just dance and sing at the top of your lungs, not worrying about how good you danced or if you could carry a tune? Remember how anytime your mom put you in a skirt you had to twirl around until you got dizzy? Get up put on the twirliest skirt you have and turn up the music. Find the happy music. The music you know all the words too and when you hear it on the radio you have to turn it up. I made a playlist on youtube of my happy music, so whenever I need it I can just click and I am ready to dance. I keep a link to it on my homepage if you want to check it out.
Here is a bonus tip from one of my followers.
Create a laughter file. Put jokes, YouTube videos, funny memories where you can find them when you need them
— Michelle M Dobbins (@MichelleDobbins) November 2, 2017
Do you have any tips for getting out of a funk?
Share them in the comments.
I received one or more of the products mentioned in this post for free or at a reduced price in exchange for an honest review. Disclosure Statement
When I’ve struggled with depression my mum used to force me to take my children to a park with a big slide then she’d make me go down it with them. It’s a bit of a running joke now but it did work albeit briefly at the time. Fresh air and a walk always help me too. Thanks for sharing. x #fortheloveofBLOG
Sounds like she is a smart woman.
What great advice, especially connecting with loved ones and getting fresh air! I would like to add philanthropy to your list. It seems when I am doing something for someone else, my perspective shifts. Random acts of kindness are always uplifting to me! -Marci @ Stone Cottage Adventures
Great tip. Thanks for sharing it.
THANK YOU FOR THE REMINDER! I love and agree with your 5 self care tips! Sometimes it is so easy to forget these things. It is always nice to be reminded!
You are welcome and thank you for taking the time to read my post. I hope you have a wonderful evening.
Great tips! There’s nothing like some upbeat music to turn a day around. I’d add doing something creative to the list. Paint, draw, sew, play and instrument. Anything to tune into your creative side.
Yes, being creative is very helpful.
Pampering yourself is definitely always a great idea! Great tips here lovely. Thanks for sharing with #fortheloveofBLOG
This is good advice. I’m dealing with grief at the moment, and sometimes it’s difficult to even get up in the morning. But a little self care goes a long way, especially getting some fresh air and sunshine. Also, a little exercise does wonders. I’ll be tweeting and pinning this. Greetings from the Inspire Me Monday linky!
Dealing with grief is in itself a really hard thing. My mother passed last October and I had to give myself permission to feel all the feeling of that grief and not try to medicate it away as depression. Just remember, everyone grieves differently and don’t let anyone tell you how you are supposed to deal with the grief process.
A big yes to fresh air and healthful eating. These are key for me, and always a challenge in this season of the year.
Bravo to you for coming out of that funk, dancing and pampering! Keeping a file — brill! #fortheloveofBLOG xoxo
I don’t have more tips I actually just wanted to say Thank you. I’ve been severely depressed for months now and u described everything to a T. I thought I was the only one that Di dnt even brush my hair. I’m hop8ng to get into a doctor the 3rd week of March in hopes there is a magic pill. Ty again for keeping it real
You are welcome. Many people think depression is being sad but I think its more like feeling nothing. It’s like you are drowning and you just don’t have the strength to reach out and grab the life preserver floating next to you. You just have to do what you can until you can get in to see the doctor. Regarding magic pills, do your research and know that many of the medications take a few weeks to work and sometimes it gets worse before it gets better on the meds while your body is adjusting.
Evelyn, those are marvelous tips! I’m so glad you got to treat yourself with those lovely skincare products. I listened to an MD on YouTube the other day who recommended going out in the sunlight without sunscreen for 20 to 30 minutes every day to elevate mood and aid sleep. For the past couple of years I’ve been strictly limiting my sugar intake to not more than 6 teaspoons of sugar a day, and I found right away (a week or two) that it eliminated all cravings; so it’s quite easy to stick to! Wishing you all the best in your struggle.
I read about the need for sunlight without sunscreen, it seems that it is related to the levels of Vitamin D in your body.
PS That was 20 to 30 minutes every *morning* within a short time of waking. So no worries about skin cancer from that brief exposure.
I agree with all of these, but I especially like the Get Fresh Air & Dance and Sing. Hope your Emior continues to help you pamper yourself & feel better. 🙂
These are all great tips. I would add meditation, journaling, and running (or whatever physical activity you prefer) to the list.
Journaling is excellent especially if you are a writer.
I like your motto “fake it till you make it”. Your self-care tips are excellent. Thank you for sharing them with us at Party in Your PJ’s.
Thank you
really important for someone going through downtimes, sadness, loss and any emotional disconnect! Thanks for sharing at the Pit Stop 🙂
SYl
I do like the idea of keeping a laughter file along with all your other tips. Like Marci said, also doing random acts of kindness. With no more effort, the love and kindness come right back on you.
All the best going forward. We will feature your helpful post on the next Blogger’s Pit Stop
Kathleen
I think fresh air is so key to get that essential Vitamin D and by going out you often connect with people and animals too. However, when depressed it is so hard to actually force yourself out of the door. Depression would be better tackled if we all looked out more for it in our loved ones #MMBC
Awww, more words of wisdom, but what else should I expect, I always find great stuff here. Thank you, I need this right now. 🙂 Big hugs xox
Dropped by from #BloggersPitStop but I’m always, always happy to be here. 🙂
Hope this weekend treats you kindly (and self-carefully). 🙂
Thanks so much for stopping by. Hope your weekend is wonderful just like you.
I love your tips and I’d like to add meditation. Even though my mind wanders I still give it a try. Thank you for sharing with us at Celebrate Your Story and have a great weekend.
Meditation is a very important tip. Thanks for reminding me.
Fab tips Evelyn! I totally agree with getting outside for some fresh air. I love a good walk, it’s a fab way to clear your head and take time out.
Thanks for sharing with #MMBC. Have a lovely weekend x
There are some great tips here for sure though I wont be throwing my front curtains wide as it’s rather like an aquarium where everybody can just look in. #mmbc
I completely understand. I wouldn’t want everyone looking in my windows. Thankfully mine are above eye level.
I don’t really have any ideas, I know that I try to make sure I get a couple things done, make a list with possibly only two things on it, that I know I could do, to help me to actually keep some structure and get something done, then that makes me feel better, that it wasn’t a wasted day.
These are some really great ideas. I have really been trying to help my mother with her depression and anxiety. Thank you for sharing.
The toughest for me is getting fresh air and connecting with people when I’m depressed! If I’m depressed, getting out of bed is an accomplishment. But it does definitely help to open up curtains so I get to see a bit of sunshine at least!
I know exactly what you mean. Some days getting out of bed is all you can do.
These are great tips and much needed in today’s society. Thanks for sharing!
These are great tips. The struggle is real sometimes. I find a walk or interacting with a pet helps sometimes.
I am sorry to read you have been feeling down recently, but I am glad the Emior package gave you chance to pamper yourself a little. By heck, we all need a bit of that at the moment! Hope you are taking time out for you and having a good week! Sim x #TrafficJam
This is is important these days with all the quarantine time during the pandemic and the resulting depression.