40 Little Things to Do to Get You Through the Day When You’re Feeling Overwhelmed or Depressed

We all have those days when we’re not feeling up to it. Whether we have that weird uneasy feeling about nothing in particular, or whether we flat out just can’t deal, it’s something we all face from time to time. We get it.

Being a parent makes these feeling of being overwhelmed or depressed even harder because we have these little people that need us, depend on us, and won’t leave us alone for one minute! So we try to put our feelings aside and get through the day as best we can, knowing that we still feel like shit and probably will tomorrow, too.

It is important to speak to your doctor if you feel depressed or anxious over a long time, but if you are in a bit of a funk and want to do a few little things to make yourself feel better, give some of these a try.

1. Write down your feelings onto a piece of paper and then tear it up and throw it away.

2. Are you hydrated? If not, have a glass of water. Take a couple of ibuprofen at the same time.

3. Say something nice about someone, whether online or in person. Wait until you see something really wonderful about someone, and tell them about it. Make sure it is genuine.

4. If you can, go and take a shower. Get dressed in fresh clean clothes.

5. Complete a small task – whether it’s responding to an email, loading up the dishwasher, or emptying out all the crap in your handbag.

6. Grab a fresh sheet of paper or find a new page in a notebook and make a note of all the small things you’ve accomplished today.

7. Cook or bake something yummy to take your mind off whatever is bothering you. Bonus! You get to eat something yummy later!

8. Make a hot cup of your favourite beverage and drink it outside with sunshine on your face for ten minutes.

9. Cut out substances that may be toxic to your depression. Easier said than done, but worthwhile if it is damaging to your mental health.

10. Get a change of scenery. Go somewhere, anywhere, that is different and take in the sights for a little while.

11. Find a creative outlet to de-stress. Whether it is painting, knitting, crocheting, sewing, writing, drawing – whatever floats your boat and you feel is relaxing. Get into it.

12. Pick one area of your home and give it a good clean.

13. Think about trying some yoga. Look it up on Youtube and try a few beginners poses.

14. If you have the time, immerse yourself in another world by reading a book.

15. Have a go at a jigsaw puzzle. There are online versions and apps available, too.

16. Stick to a routine. This might give you feelings of control and positivity over your situation.

17. Have you eaten in the past three hours? If not, get some food — something with protein, not just simple carbs.

18. Write little positivity notes to yourself, and leave them where you’ll see them.

19. Adopt a “no-guilt” policy if you end up not following through on something. Apologise (if required), accept it and move on.

20. Make your bed Every. Single. Morning. By making your bed, it makes it harder to get back into it.

21. Write a list of priorities to achieve. Cross them off when they are complete.

22. Lock yourself in the bathroom and allow yourself a moment to cry and let all your emotions out.

23. If you have one, cuddle with your pet. If you don’t have one, maybe your child might be in the mood for a snuggle.

24. Listen to music that makes you feel good. Crank up your favourite bangers and remember why you love them.

25. Acknowledge that you are feeling like shit and that your feelings are valid and real. Allow yourself to feel your emotions as they pass over you instead of fighting them. You might find they move on more quickly.

26. Take a relaxing bubble bath. You knew this one would be on the list, didn’t you!

27. Stretch your legs. Go for a walk around the block or for as long as you can manage.

28. Break up larger tasks into smaller ones. You can do the smaller ones, right? Do one each day until the big task is done.

29. Ask for support from someone you trust. You are not alone.

30. Consider keeping a gratitude journal. Start off with a scrap of paper and write down the things you are grateful for.

31. Stop everything and sing until you feel better. Turn up the music in your car and go for it like you are auditioning for the X-Factor.

32. If you have an impending deadline, ask for an extension or reschedule some things to allow you time to focus on what is most important.

33. Watch some cute/funny/happy pet videos online to momentarily lift your spirits.

34. Get a massage. Most shopping centres have walk-in massage clinics in them. Enjoy half an hour of scented massage oils, soft music and someone smoothing out your tense muscles.

35. Light a candle, burn some incense or diffuse some oils. Change the scent of your space with something lovely.

36. Take a break from social media and email. It doesn’t have to be forever, just a few hours or a few days. Social media is not an airport lounge, you don’t need to announce your departure. Just turn off the notifications and chill for a bit.

37. Move your body! Dance around the room to the tune of one up-beat song.

38. Watch your favourite comedy movie or tv show. Something that never fails to make you feel good.

39. Delegate! Is there someone you can hand something off to or ask to help you?

40. Accept that you are doing the best you can do at this moment in time, and that’s totally okay!

You got this!!

Images: Pixabay