Changing my lifestyle - HELP

Hi there AciraMay,

Forming new habits when you're in the midst of depression is a tricky one. I think I've tried to start doing exercise about half a dozen times in the past six months; I call it an ongoing project 😛

Regardless of what you work on, I think it's important to be forgiving of yourself. It's really easy to realise that you've not kept up with exercise, meditation, etc. and then punish yourself for that.

Another idea that might help is to try the new activity with a friend. If you have a friend who regularly does meditation or goes to the gym, consider joining them. Often the willpower of another person can help you work your way into forming the new habit.

Also, try to write down your schedule. Keep a calendar, set alarms, and make sure you have obvious reminders set up to help you remember to do the things you want to do. I often forget to do the simple things like get the dishwasher going, or shop for basic essentials, and my phone lets me know when I need to do these things. It's a bit of work to set up sometimes, but a little effort into making the plans now saves a lot of effort of keeping your calendar in your head later on.

Hope these help a bit, and good luck 🙂

Hi Harveth,

Thank you so much!

I'm loving the idea of setting up a schedule and lots of reminders 🙂

What do you (and everyone else) think about rewards?

Have they helped or hindered anyone in the past? :s

I tend not to use rewards much myself, as I'm not very good at making sure the reward is small and proportional. They can be helpful, though. If you have a system where a certain amount of work = certain amount of reward, it might help 🙂

Hi,

I've struggled with this as well - looking after our physical selves is so important! I would probably choose one lifestyle change at a time and write down a schedule of how to do it. i.e. if its sleep iwould write out a plan *actually i have awritten plan that my psychologist gave me lol. And i try to stick tothat... its blu tacked to the mirror in my room to keep it insight and in mind... though I still have trouble with sleep.

As someone above said, be kind to your self if things dont always go to plan... everyone has good and bad days!

LJ

You should also try taking Omega - 3 / Krill oil tablets. They are really good for depression, or at least were good for mine (much better than Vit D)

Its sounds like you really are motivated for change so thats a big step in the right direction.

For me the most important thing was just making sure my goals only brought out positivity and not negativity. Its easy to be depressed about what we don't achieve, but if you only look at everything you actually do then you will feel better. Depending on what you struggle with, make your goals really easy to acheive, like if you hate washing the dishes, be proud if you wash even one dish, rather than guilty that you didn't wash the others. Keep aiming for all the dishes, but don't get upset if you don't do it.
Guilt is the enemy!

I have also used Moodtracker.com to track if my mental health was improving.

Good luck with everything!

Hi,

i have a simple idea that I got from Oprah..years ago. Each day write 3 things that you are greatful for. I have a little note book that is beside me bed and it's so rewarding and simple. You can be having a crap day but rest assured you can always think of 3 good things about the day. This is what I wrote today:

1. I didn't work today as its a public holiday.

2. I did all my housework today so I'm up to date.

3. I had arvo coffee and cake with my daughter.

I always end with my positive affirmation of Im greatful that I'm happy and healthy.

Small steps eps and do one thing at a time. You can achieve whatever you want in life just trust in yourself.

Cheers

Hi lisajane,

Ive just printed out my schedule and stuck it on my bedroom wall!

Thanks for your help 🙂

Thanks Emz,

I will definitly try out Omega - 3 / Krill oil tablets.

Thanks for your support 🙂

Hey Wisewoman,

Thats sounds like a really great idea, time to go buy a notebook!

Thank you 🙂