Last week I spoke about the value of recalling compliments to help bolster your self-belief.
Because when depression strikes, so many of our opinions about ourselves start sailing down the stream – we endure a distorted and unhelpful self-image. We need to pan for our own gold to help energise us, re-align our cluttered minds, and put perspective back into our souls. Here’s a few simple things that can assist you:
- Get into the habit of recalling nice things that people have said about you
- Look through some old photos
- Enjoy reading cards from those whom you love
- Remind yourself of any achievements, awards, qualifications or accolades that you have received, and practice bringing to mind how you felt when you accomplished them – this can even be earning your driving licence, because it’s an accomplishment!
- Remind yourself what attributes you have which other people have cited: good humour/kindness, etc.
- Stick on some power ballads and sing along (for me: “We Are The Champions”, “Killer Queen”, or “Feels Like I’m In Love” work wonders!)
- Bake some cookies, they are surprisingly easy to make!
- Write down five things that you like about yourself: Affectionate/Kind/Funny/Caring/Sincere etc. Keep these uncomplicated.
- Get in touch with your friends and enjoy some laughter
- Get outside and enjoy a walk or a run
Repeat these as frequently as possible. Add or create your own list of ideas, and you are essentially panning for your own gold!