5. Recovery Tools - Finding Your Balance

Finding Your Balance: Achievable Goals

Different tools for different people

Balance, in many areas of life, is essential for mental health. Taking on too many things at once is a recipe for burn-out. Sitting at home all the time is equally hard on your mental health, however. Here are some tips to help you find your middle ground.

Create a routine
A simple routine can help you divide your day into smaller, more manageable pieces. Start small, to avoid overwhelming yourself. Maybe set an approximate wake-up time, or a goal to eat breakfast every morning. A gentle schedule frees you from the exhausting task of figuring out when to do those things each day, and gives you more mental energy for other things. Then, as you are able, gradually add more recovery tools into your daily routine. Use what works for you.

Try something new
Depression, especially, can leave you stuck in a rut. You do the same things over and over because you're tired, and nothing new seems worth the energy. But little by little, as you feel able, try to step outside your comfort zone. Visit a new museum, try volunteering at a soup kitchen, or join a new group at church. Trying new things creates chemical changes in your brain over time, which can help your depression start to lift.

If you have anxiety, new things can still be a positive experience if you pay attention to your anxiety levels, and take it slowly. If a new activity makes you uncomfortable, do it in small amounts. Try to take a break before your anxiety gets halfway to panic. And get comfortable before taking on more.

Do something that you used to enjoy, especially with friends
Depression can make you feel like nothing is fun anymore. One helpful step is to make time for the things you enjoyed when your depression wasn't as severe. Bonus points if you can do those things with friends you feel comfortable around. And don't worry if you don't have fun the first few times you go out. It will get better with time. Talk to your friends if you feel safe enough. Explain that you might be depressed, but that you still appreciate being with them. When your friends can include you, depression and all, your depression slips away even faster.

Take on a few responsibilities
Responsibilities can give you structure and a reason to get out of bed, but don't take on so many that you feel stressed out or overwhelmed. If you aren't up to full-time school or work yet, that's ok. You may be able to work part-time, volunteer, or get more involved in a ministry at your church. Accomplishing something and connecting with others helps ground you.

Use only what's helpful to you
There are a lot of suggestions on this list, so if you're feeling overwhelmed, take a deep breath. You don't need to take on all these tools at once, or ever unless you want to. Choose one thing you like and try it.

Depression and anxiety want you to think that it's impossible to accomplish anything, but don't give up. Little by little, those feelings will fade, and with treatment, you can feel better.