Depression can be exhausting and consuming on every possible level. To that end, consider this collection entitled The Ultimate Productivity Hacks: Depression Edition. This is a small guide on how to productive when suffering from depression. When we talk about depression, we are talking a fluid, complex idea that impacts tens of millions of people every single day. It can be as low-key as a reoccurring feeling of sadness that drains you quietly and slowly throughout the day. It can also be as severe as something that makes even getting out of bed feel like an absolutely impossible task.
Regardless of where you feel you fall on the spectrum, you ultimately have to remember that life is still going to come your way. What can honestly be done about that?
Working Through Depression
No one here is going to tell you that your depression is not real. Furthermore, we aren’t going to tell you this is a do-or-die list. In other words, if you struggle with these suggestions, remember that it doesn’t make you a failure. Simply doing your best is more than enough.
Nonetheless, life still makes demands of us. Thankfully, you don’t have to feel helpless in the face of this fact.
If you are looking for the long-term sure however, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy has a very high success rate and is something you should really look into.
CBT for Depression, Anxiety, Phobias and Panic Attacks -Click this link to learn more
Productivity Hacks For Those Who Have Depression
Here are some straightforward depression productivity hacks to consider:
• Avoiding certain TV shows & Binge watching: These days, when we’re depressed, we fall into the habit of binge-watching. It doesn’t help that our society seems to encourage this more and more. It can seriously harm your productivity. When depressed, try to avoid shows that lends themselves well to monotony (like cooking or reality shows). Also avoid shows that make you invest emotionally into the storyline. There won’t much room to motivate yourself if you’ve spent all your emotional currency feeling bad for some character on some TV show that is no way going to affect you life in any positive way whatsoever. It’s really easy to waste hours this way in the age of Netflix. There are numerous studies like this that show that you are on your way to a pretty unsatisfied life if you give in to the urge to binge watch. An occasional watch of some comedy show on the other hand could be just the break that you needed. But then again, be careful not to use it as a substitute to get away from the harsh realities of life.
Life is hard. I’m sure you’ve figured it out by now. But sitting in front of the computer is no way to go through life as an adult. Make a conscious decision today to restrict your usage of the internet and entertainment. Deprive yourself some dopamine from entertainment so that you can feel the dopamine rush when you complete that work you’ve been putting off for a while.
• Break down larger tasks whenever possible: Are there things that need to be put away, or just dealt with in some form or fashion? Break them down as often as possible. For example, if you have to put away the laundry, put away a few pieces at a time. Don’t feel like every task needs a straight path from starting to finishing.
• Don’t be afraid to do “bad” work: When we’re depressed, we tend to be much harder on ourselves. We perceive everything we do as being terrible and beneath any reasonable standards. It can be tough, but remember that sometimes, “bad” work is better than nothing at all. Don’t set the bar so high that you never reach it.
• Turn your phone off when possible: If you don’t need your phone at a certain moment, and you aren’t expecting to hear from anyone any time soon, consider switching your phone off for a few minutes. If you can, schedule a whole hour in which the phone is off. More often than not, your mind will look for things to keep busy. This is where the productivity can kick in.
• Stay hydrated: Without the right amount of water each day, staying productive is going to prove to be almost impossible. This is one example of self-care you can’t skimp on.
• Dry shampoo and cleansing wipes: Showering is important, but it can be tough when you’re depressed. This is another good example of self-care when self-care is difficult. These things are simple, and you can use them just about anywhere you please. Doing something as innocuous as this can give you sense of completion. It’s atleast one thing you did for the day and you can use it as motivation to do the other things on your list.
Depression Breakthrough: How To End The Cycle of Depression
• Eating well: Have you considered the possibility that the reason you’re feeling down in the dumps all day is due to the really bad diet that you’ve been following? Gut microbes have been proven to influence you moods. Be sure you’re treating it right. Figure out a good point in the week when you have time, and when your depression is a little more manageable. Devote this time to meal prep. Ideally, if you don’t have the energy to eat healthy, meal-prepping allows you to fall back on something that is simple and beneficial. It can also keep you away from fast food. Reddit has an excellent place to learn more about meal prepping.
Curcumin, the key active ingredient in Turmeric, is also known to reduce oxidative stress which is a primary cause of depressive disorders. Turmeric also has several other health benefits and is always a good ingredient to have in your kitchen.
• Ask someone to check in on you: Having a friend or family member check in on you at least once a day can give you a lifeline when needed. If you have no friends that you can count on to do this, there are numerous online groups that will help you find a partner to get you through that seemingly forever lasting depression episode. Again reddit is you friend.
• Avoid the myth of success: At least, don’t define success in narrow terms. You don’t have to be like everyone else. Success can be defined in a wide number of ways. Maybe for you it’s being able to get out of bed and making that much needed cup of tea. Don’t forget to practise self-love.
• Celebrate small victories: Stop defining accomplishments as major and minor, to the point where you don’t even feel like the smaller accomplishments are valuable. They are. Use them as momentum to accomplish even more.
Depression can make even a few moments feel as though they are being stretched out to span eternity. Remember that you are not alone. Remind yourself daily that you’re doing a great job simply living life.
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