I have seen over and over in my life, that the less I move, the more depressed I feel. Being a barn rat growing up, I was always outside doing chores or riding my horse. Then into my teenage years, I became a competitive volleyball player and avid runner. In college, I decided to embark on hiking as many of the 14, 000 mountains in Colorado that I could. I always loved to challenge myself physically. Even now I am a certified personal trainer and yoga instructor. So, to say the least, movement has been my constant companion and good friend throughout my life.
But, I never realized how much of an “anti-depressant” it was, until I stopped being able to do it. When injuries and unexplained illness slowed down pace, it was extremely hard to face. Luckily, I learned some coping strategies after going through that phase, and would like to share my ideas for staying upbeat on even your most inactive days.
Here are 5 easy strategies to keep your mind busy when your body has to rest:
- Break up the day: Leave the house at least once in the morning and once in the late afternoon / evening
- Make plans for your “off” days so you don’t sit around and sulk
- Take an evening walk: Even if it’s just around the block, the different environment and fresh air will benefit you. If you can’t walk, go outside somewhere and just sit; put your bare feet on the earth. Watch the sunset.
- Take your days off to get organized: Plan ahead, make a to-do list, and create future goals. You can even make a vision board or do something creative with your imagination to get you focused on fun events you look forward to doing in the future.
- Take the time to do a breathing meditation (particularly in the morning – if possible). Every time I sit down and breathe deeply, it’s as if everything that was running around in my head forms a straight line and I get up knowing exactly what I have to do and when I have to do it. I feel calmer and more at peace to start my day.
The most important thing is to learn how to distract yourself with health-enhancing activities – rather than health-destructive ones. The sooner you can accept your temporary inactivity, the faster it will go by.