Morning Routines for Battling Morning Depressive Moods: A Guide for Improved Mental Health

Starting your day with a depressive mood can set the tone for the entire day. However, with the right morning routine, you can negate these negative feelings and begin your day on a positive note. This article explores practical strategies and morning routines that can help you combat morning depressive moods, ensuring you wake up feeling more composed and ready to face the day.

Engage in Music and Movement

One effective way to combat a depressing mood upon waking is by immersing yourself in music and movement. According to the author, going to a silent disco and choosing tunes that combat your mood, and dancing or singing without overthinking, can help keep you sane.

Tip: If you're feeling particularly upset in the morning, don't even consider going online. Put on your music and connect it to your speakers to help you complete your morning tasks. Play music on your earphones while doing mundane tasks, even while shopping or walking. This can prevent your brain from overthinking and keep you anchored in the present moment.

Create a Fixed Routine

In moments of deep depression, it might be challenging to decide what to wear, what to do, or even how to get ready in the morning. Establishing a consistent routine can be incredibly beneficial. Wear T-shirts on days when you are down and don’t have the mental energy to decide. The rest of your wardrobe should have repeatable cycles that you can rely on.

Build a Peppy Playlist

Music is an incredible ally in times of mental distress. Create a playlist with upbeat, cheerful songs to blast on your earphones. Listen to your music whether you are buying groceries, walking, or doing other mundane tasks. This can help keep your thoughts on a positive wavelength, preventing them from spiraling into negative thinking.

Sit with Your Feelings

Tip: Everyone goes through tough times, but it's important to recognize that people may know what you're going through but may not always ask. Try to sit with your feelings and understand that sharing them with others might not always be the best approach. People will eventually get used to you crying or bawling for no apparent reason.

Find Supportive Friends

Having supportive friends is crucial for your mental health. You might have at least one friend who can provide moral support. If you don't have close friends, consider making friends online. Having someone to fall back on and talk to can make a significant difference in your mental well-being.

Tip: Consider engaging in video games like PUBG as a way to occupy your mind and temporarily forget your problems. While playing games might seem counterintuitive, it can be a useful distraction in times of low energy.

Time Your Tasks

Starting a day by taking on too many tasks can be overwhelming. Break your tasks into smaller, manageable parts and time them to avoid feeling overwhelmed. For example, you can decide to dust the windows today and change the sheets tomorrow, rather than tackling everything all at once. This can make your morning routine feel more like a playful challenge than an insurmountable task.

Use Paperbacks to Induce Sleep

While electronic devices can be distracting, reading physical books can help you sleep better. Try keeping a paperback book by your bedside if you struggle to sleep. Research has shown that reading a print book before bed can improve sleep quality, making it a useful tool to combat sleep-related issues.

Take on New Activities

Maintaining hope and self-care is crucial in battling depression. Even if you don't feel like it, pushing yourself to try new activities can be beneficial. These activities might seem odd at first, but they can help you break away from the cycle of depression. For instance, you might try a new hobby or engage in regular exercise. The effort might seem doubled, but the progress will be worth it. Remember, self-care is about nurturing yourself towards better days, so do what it takes, even if it feels challenging.

Manage Hopelessness

Hopelessness can come and go, but it's important to know that it will eventually pass. When those feelings arise, allow yourself to engage in hopelessness tantrums. Cry, scream, or do whatever it takes to get yourself out of the funk. Recognize that these feelings are temporary and will pass.

By implementing these strategies, you can better prepare yourself for the ups and downs of life. Each strategy—music, routine, support, and new activities—plays a crucial role in building resilience and maintaining your mental well-being. Remember, taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health.