6 Things I’ve Done to Take My Mind Off Depression
Depression and burnout have hit me hard this year. It feels like lacking any shred of motivation, losing your passions, and being unable to move from one spot for days on end. I have often found myself wishing I could just find the will to do something I love again…something that engages me. But I have discovered that sometimes it’s easier to just allow yourself to feel what you’re feeling and to allow yourself to move slower. Through doing that, I have found 6 things that helped take my mind off the depression and burnout and get me through some of my hardest days.
Number Match
In all honesty, this isn’t going to be the only phone game on this list! But it’s a good one. Number Match is just mindless enough that I have spent hours on it, when my brain refused to address anything else in my life. All you do is try and match together like numbers or numbers that equal 10, in the hopes of clearing the board and getting a higher and higher score. This game is perfect for when you need a focus on something other than your thoughts.
3. Walking
This one seems like a no-brainer, but it is worth calling out! It can be difficult to put the shoes on and go, but it is worth every step. I live on the shores of Lake Superior, so walking along the lake is my favorite place to go. Find a spot that is beautiful to you and make it your go-to. Listen to a podcast or some music, soak up the sun and views, and just let your body move.
5. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
I am a big fan of personal development books, but when I am in the midst of depression, it just isn’t going to happen. Honestly, reading isn’t going to happen either. I started this audiobook hoping to be entertained without a lot of effort, and boy did it work! This is fascinating tale of drama and Hollywood and husbands. Pop in those earbuds and lose yourself to the life of Evelyn Hugo.
2. Community
There are 6 seasons of this show and up to 25 episodes per season, which means it can last you quite a long time! This show is laugh out loud funny and has goofy storylines you can easily get lost in. It’s perfect for when you need some mindless entertainment and a few laughs to get you through the day.
4. Happy Color
I told you there would be another app! Happy Color is one of my OG favorites for depression. It was actually recommended to me years ago by a friend going through something similar. It is a paint by number app where you can choose from a variety of “paintings” and you just go number-by-number to make your masterpiece. It’s easy to get super focused on this and let go of the feelings you’re holding on to.
6. Painting
Doing something with your hands and being creative is an amazing way to combat depression. I like to paint the family pets and I have a friend who paints copies of watercolors she’s found on the internet. It’s a way to hyper-focus on a creation. Often the act of creating something can make you feel good, too!
I hope this article has given you a few ideas for how to move through your depression. I would love to hear what works for you that may not be on this list! DM me on Instagram or send me an e-mail to share your thoughts.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call the Suicide and Crisis hotline by dialing 988.
