ISOLATION IS A major cause of depression. As we move into adult responsibilities, such as work, parenting, marriage, we tend to let our relationships fade into the background. In the ever-increasing tasks of “adulting,” self-care often takes a back seat. Selfcare includes physical, emotional, spiritual, personal, and professional tasks. A healthy support system plays a role in all these categories of self-care.
Who do you already have in your life? Ask yourself, “Do I feel respected by this person? Does this person bring out my best qualities? Does this person allow me to feel good about myself?” We often ask ourselves, “When do I ask for help? What do I think will happen? Do I have positive or negative expectations?”
Here are some great tips to build a personal support system:
Turn to family and friends
There is no substitute for family and good friends to support and encourage you when the chips are down. Sometimes just talking with someone can lift your spirits and help take the weight off your shoulders. Having someone listen to your concerns helps make you feel supported and understood, which in turn encourages you to look at things differently.
Cultivate a variety of interests
Read more, go to the movies or a play, listen to great music, enjoy beautiful art. Engaging in healthy and mind-expanding activities can preoccupy you when you need a healthy distraction. Not only do they preoccupy you, but they help you grow and develop, therefore leaving less time to brood or stay down very long.
Exercise and play sports
Have an assortment of exercises or fun sports you can draw upon to work out and let off some pent-up energy and steam. There is nothing like a good workout to stimulate your endorphins, the “happy hormones.”
Take a short, affordable trip
We all have someplace we’ve always wanted to visit but just never got around to it. Travel to a big city like Chicago or Toronto and partake in the cultural treasures it has to offer. The experience can expand your horizons and give you that change of scenery you need. Or just take a trip to the countryside and enjoy the bucolic surroundings.
Create a quiet place or sanctuary for yourself
Find a quiet place in your home, a corner in your local library, or a park where you can go to meditate, contemplate, or rejuvenate yourself. You can go for a stroll in the park and enjoy the flowers, trees, and birds and connect with your surroundings.
Volunteer at a hospital or nursing home
Take a day and volunteer your services to someone who needs your help. Giving support is as important as receiving it. It will put things in perspective.
Rather than resorting to unhealthy outlets, such as overeating, alcohol, or other harmful substances, when we are down, we can find positive ways of expressing ourselves while at the same time building resilience.
Take care of yourself!
Daniel J. Jachimiak, BA, is a Feature Writer/Journalist and Speaker. Dan can be reached at djachimiak@ bex.net or 419-787-2036.
~ You can have a better life ~
