DISCLAIMER: this isn’t a substitute for therapy and/or medication. Sometimes therapy isn’t accessible. Sometimes we have a bad week and need to recenter ourselves.

I think we can learn from each other and find methods we didn’t even know about! What’s helpful to another may be ineffective to another, and I think learning about an array of methods would be valuable.

What’s been helpful for me:

  • Spending time in nature
  • Journaling (I would google journal prompts pertaining to my predicaments)
  • Guided meditations on Youtube
  • Free worksheets: https://www.therapistaid.com/therapy-worksheets (my therapist who specialized in CBT used some of these during our sessions, I’m glad they’re free)
  • Ash@lemmy.world
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    1 year ago
    • Singing
    • Crying it out
    • Journaling
    • Getting enough sleep
    • Spending time in the sun
    • choosing to avoid arguments
  • aqua@lemmy.world
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    1 year ago

    Bicycling by far!

    You can get a cheap used bike if you don’t want to nerd out about parts etc.

    The way my mind is cleared when I’m going for a ride is something that I have not achieved by any other means. Also the mood boost lasts quite a while for me.

    Just make sure the bike fits your body and also get a helmet.

  • Uriel-238@lemmy.fmhy.ml
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    1 year ago

    Lemme toss in here the symptom management checklist in DBT:

    • Take your meds on time, as per directed.
    • Sleep eight hours a day (or the amount that works for you.)
    • Eat square meals on a consistent schedule. Most of us work with three, with light snacking. Stay fluidated.
    • Get some exercise, a bit of moving about should do (say a walk around the block).
    • Engage in some social contact, ideally with a friend or loved one with whom you’re not dealing with immediate drama.

    Doing these things consistently should reduce the likelihood of your symptoms getting unmanageable (mileage will vary).

  • The Snark Urge@lemmy.world
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    1 year ago

    This might be more darkly humorous than you are looking for, but at the onset of WWII I’ve read that many civilians suddenly had a full or partial remission of symptoms for the duration of the war.

    Being part of a society in crisis that’s all pulling in the same direction can take your mind off your own problems, at least for a while. Call it the Ozymandias effect?

    It’s not enough to hope a war breaks out, but maybe there’s something at the heart of it we can grasp. Maybe what some of us really lack is purpose, or a sense of belonging. These aren’t easy to solve for, but I’m sure it’s worth a look inward.

  • Okokimup@lemmy.world
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    1 year ago

    Baking has been really good for me. Also I love hot water, but dont have a usable bathtub, so I got myself a shower chair. It’s so relaxing.

    Every evening I go for a walk. The fresh air nd bird sightings are as good for me as the exercise.

  • emoknapsack@lemmy.world
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    1 year ago

    I like the free Yoga with Adrienne videos on YouTube. But there are tons of others out there also. Yoga breathing helps me feel grounded when I’m anxious and stressed.

  • a1studmuffin@aussie.zone
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    1 year ago

    Adding to the excellent suggestions of others:

    • Organising to see friends regularly, even when I don’t feel like it
    • Having a “thing” to look forward to (often based around hobbies or upcoming events)
  • BenjMathis1@kbin.social
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    • Journaling just random thoughts and feelings
    • Meditating
    • Nature hikes
    • Making my bed each morning
    • Going for a drive with the radio on
    • Doing small DIY crafts
    • ted_pikul@lemmy.world
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      1 year ago

      Meditation is the biggest one for me. For so long I thought it just wasn’t for me and then I got an app with guided meditation tracks and I have never been more calm, focused, and generally happy with the way things are since I started. I feel really lucky I gave it a chance and highly recommend it for anyone to try.

      • BenjMathis1@kbin.social
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        1 year ago

        Same. I kind of have issues with my mind wondering when meditating (though also just in general lol). But I then tried guided meditation and it just clicked. Maybe it was having someone kind of guiding and reminding me to stay focused, but it’s been amazing. And I agree, I think everyone should at least give it a try at some point.

  • Meldroc@lemmy.world
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    1 year ago
    • Taking walks in nature
    • Meditating
    • Dragging myself away from the doomscroll box.
    • Going out and seeing friends
    • Seeing a therapist (OK, that one’s not so low-cost…)
  • Fern@lemmy.world
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    1 year ago

    You’ve got a good list.

    For me I’d add.

    • Going Vegan
    • Working out (especially cardio)
    • Having a creative outlet
  • kofe@lemmy.world
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    1 year ago

    I want to point out there’s free options in the us for lots of support groups, and so many are accesible online now! I joined SMART recovery about a month ago now, found one in person facilitated by a licensed counselor. She offered to see me individually for free and it’s incredible what a few sessions can do!