Journaling Many times, for those struggling with depression, it’s easy to get lost in that sea of sad and leave every day as just another one survived. Journaling can help revive some of the light that life has to offer. The easiest way to get started is by trying to write down at least three good things that happened that day no matter how small. Maybe you had your favorite meal or found a really good new song. Just writing down the little things you were grateful for each day will give you something positive to look back to. This also helps you practice mindfulness and learn how to be appreciative of the little things as well as the big.
Get organized and prioritize your time. One of the easiest ways to get started with this is by using a planner. Head over to TJ Maxx, pick one that best suits your needs, and get started. School and work can be overwhelming, but a planner is great for organizing everything you have to do and makes tackling the day just a tad bit easier. With a planner, you will know exactly what has to be done that day, letting you prioritize all the important aspects of the day. If you don’t like planners, there’s many other ways to get organized. You can use your phone, make a list, whatever works best for you!
Make your bedroom your sanctuary. Your bedroom is your space. It should be a reflection of you, so fill it with things that make you happy and bring you nothing but positive vibes. That way, at the end of a hard day you can come back to a relaxing environment that will make you feel good. That also includes trying to keep it clean and organized, as having everything organized will help de-clutter your mind and make you feel good. Plus, it’s just nice to know where everything in your room is, you know?
Build a support system. Support systems are vital in times when you’re really feeling low. So don’t be afraid to reach out to someone when things get hard. It can be a friend, parent, roommate, counselor, anyone. Talking about your problems and how you feel will help make you feel better just by letting you get it off your chest. It’s easy to feel like no one understands and begin to get lonely, but by openly communicating you can connect with those around you.
Campus resources. The University of Nevada, Reno’s counseling services center helps provide students with a chance to reach out and get help; from individual counseling, group counseling, consultation and urgent care, and even referrals to other places around Reno to help find the best fit for you. Just by checking out the counseling service’s web page at www.unr.edu/counseling, you’ll receive tips and advice on topics such as living well, dealing with stress, healthy relationships, and more. There is even a virtual relaxation room, which teaches you breathing and muscle tension techniques as well as how to cultivate mindfulness. In regards to building a support system, getting professional help when you’re struggling can make a huge difference in helping you get on the right track.
