This week, I heard something that resonated with me: if you’re feeling depressed, you might not be in the right place for you. At that moment, I was overwhelmed by the stress of mom-hood, being away from home visiting family in another state, and the exhaustion of moving from place to place, sleeping on different couches or beds every night. The kids were arguing over the smallest things, and the rain kept us indoors most days. It felt never-ending, and I realized that sometimes, the situation or place causing us stress or depression isn't where we need to be.
Pulling yourself out, even for a day, can make a difference. So, I did just that. I left for a quiet environment for three days. I left my daughter with her dad and my niece and nephew with their parents
and went to my mom’s place, where there were no kids—just the sounds of the bustling city. I took a walk down memory lane and visited Brighton Beach in Brooklyn, NY. It was nice to get those 16K steps in, and though the city hadn’t changed much, the sunset was beautiful, with people enjoying the perfect summer evening. It was a refreshing break after the hot summer we’ve had.
Now, I feel refreshed and at peace. This time away allowed me to process my feelings, plan for a successful school year, and focus on my personal and professional goals, including healthy dieting, fitness, and supporting my daughter’s extracurricular activities.
Here are some things you can do to help yourself when feeling depressed:
Take a Break: Step away from stressful situations, even if just for a short time, to recharge and gain clarity.
Reach Out for Support: Talk to a trusted friend, family member, or ok2vent agent. Sometimes sharing your feelings can provide relief and perspective.
Engage in Physical Activity: Exercise, even a simple walk, can boost your mood by releasing endorphins and reducing stress.
Practice Mindfulness or Meditation: Mindfulness exercises or meditation can help you stay present and reduce overwhelming thoughts.
Set Small, Achievable Goals: Break tasks into small steps, and focus on accomplishing one thing at a time to build a sense of achievement.
Give yourself a chance to be happier by using these methods. We are all worth it.
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