Ten Little Things.

I’d like to start off by saying this; I’m not claiming that these are surefire ways to lessen your depression, these are some ways I manage to handle mine, and all without any medication. As a child, I had a lot of bad experiences with mood-altering meds and it pushed me away from the idea of using pills to try and “solve” my mental issues like depression and anxiety, so instead I like to do these ten little things to help boost my mood when I’m feeling particularly low.

1. Get lots of sleep. Going to bed earlier at night may suck at first but trust me, you’ll learn to love the extra daytime. One of my favourite things to do when I wake up super early is watch the sunrise, it's a great way to start the day!

2. Drink a glass of water when you wake up. Water is the best thing to drink each morning; a glass of water every morning has been known to boost your mental performance, increase your mood, help clear up your skin, boost your immune system, and so much more!

3. Eat a nice, big breakfast! Filling your belly is a great way to prepare for the day AND it can make you feel good!

4. Take pride in your appearance! Self-grooming is an absolute must; the better you care for yourself and your appearance, the better you’ll feel. Now, I don’t mean to go and splurge on expensive brand-name cleaners and cosmetics, but rather just take care of your skin, hair, and teeth. You’ll be glad you did.

5. Eat healthy and exercise! This is sooo cliche, I know, but it’s true! Eating well and getting yourself out in the fresh air and moving around is fantastic for your not just your physical but your mental health too and it ties into number...

6. Touch grass! No really! Going outside is a fantastic way to lift your mood! Humans weren't designed to stay indoors all day every day, so going outside and basking in the sunlight is an absolute must. Try just going for a walk once a day or go for a hike and get lost in nature, super fun!

7. Indulge in your hobby(ies). Nothing helps you feel good like just setting aside some time for you and your interests; whether you’re a reader, a gamer, or so on. Trust me, sitting back and getting into your special zone after working hard all day is the best reward.

8. Enjoy some music. Whenever you’re able to, just pop in/on your headphones and chill to your favourite tunes, and maybe dance like nobody’s watching.

9. Try keeping track of the things that make you happy each day. Big or small, as long as it makes you feel good, jot it down and keep it somewhere you’ll see it every day. This is a great way to remind yourself in particularly dark moments that life may have its low points but it still has its high points too.

10. Remember that you are loved and spend time with the people that love you. No matter what that nasty voice in your head tells you, you are loved, so make sure those who love you know that you love them too.

The most important thing I have to say to you, my dear reader, is that you are stronger and more courageous than you believe; a gem amongst gems, you are loved beyond what mere words could ever express.

You, like the rest of mankind, make the world a better place in your own unique way, and no matter what anyone tells you, you never have to apologize for who you are and what you enjoy.