I was talking with a girlfriend last night about a recent bout of depression that had snuck its way into my life. I mentioned how I had lost any drive and even let piles of trash take over my ever-tidy room. She and I both agreed that when it gets to that point, the best thing you can do is to get out of bed and to start cleaning.
It reminded me of an Elizabeth Taylor quote: “Pour yourself a drink, put on some lipstick and pull yourself together”. It is true that when you feel blah and don’t want to get out of bed, be in public or anything of the sort, it’s the best time to really pamper yourself. I am usually a mascara-and-out-the-door kind of gal, but lately with feeling so yucky, I have been putting on a full face of makeup before I leave the house.
My sleep schedule has recently been altered (thanks to the time change and jetlag) and now going to bed before 9 has me up around 6 or 7 most mornings, which has been a huge blessing in disguise. I have so much extra time in the mornings that I feel obligated to not waste it. These are the times I tidy up my room, put on my makeup, or do something new with my hair.
It may seem like I’m putting on a mask (literally, with all of that makeup) but I see it more as when you don’t feel like you look good, you’re just going to feel worse. When I take the time to pick out something to wear that I really love, or if I do something pretty with my eyeshadow, it gives me a little boost of confidence. Even if it just lasts that day, every time I look in the mirror, I smile. It just helps, and I don’t really know why.
The same thing can be said for coming home to a tidy room. I’m sure you’ve seen the marine who gave a speech on the importance of making your bed every day. It gets you started off on the right foot in the morning as you’re taking pride in where you lay your head and no matter how your day goes, you can come home to a nice bed, without the covers strewn about.
I know I’ve written before about allowing yourself to rest and be lazy and whatnot, but always stay aware and recognize when it has become unhealthy. I was spiraling downward and I could feel the weight of it coming over me. I needed to come up for air and get out of my bed to shake away the negativity.
Even though these tricks are little helpful boosts in day-to-day life to get your mind off of things, the best thing to do is to talk to someone. Call up a family member, catch up with a friend, chit-chat with coworkers- just don’t stay silent. It isn’t healthy and it isn’t helpful. Quality people in your life will love and care about you, no matter how horrible times may seem. That’s why it is essential to surround yourself with peers who will support you through the hardships of life. If you feel like you can’t talk to anyone, always remember that God is listening, and He will never give up on you.
Xo,
Lauren