I’m having a bit of a rough time with my mood right now. I’ve suffered with depression and anxiety for a while now, and whilst I’ve generally got everything under control, it comes in peaks and troughs sometimes. Sometimes you can find a cause, and sometimes there’s no rhyme or reason for it, and the latter is the most frustrating.
However I have a few things that help, and I thought I’d share them with you today- just for the next time you’re having a bit of an off day, or you’ve lost your mojo.

1) A big, cosy jumper. For me, this is my University of Cambridge sweatshirt. It’s grey and probably has a few stains down it at any given time, but I love it nonetheless. There’s a story behind it: having finished my finals, a year of stress had culminated in a week of partying- and I was exhausted. So my friend Ben gave me his Cambridge sweatshirt, and let me sleep in his room for a week. We would burn relaxing candles, read our books, and get some well earned sleep. I have fond memories of those times, and wearing this sweatshirt helps me feel comforted.

2) A candle. It’s no surprise that aromatherapy is really effective when it comes to stress relief, but I didn’t realise how much until I found myself without a candle. I just spent some gift vouchers on a gorgeous one by This Works – Lavender and Vertivert – and it soothes me so much. I think it’s a similar fragrance to the one my yoga instructor diffuses around the room during savasanah- it’s relaxing and slightly minty too.

3) A quilt. My Granny made all her grandchildren quilts when they were born, and as a 21st birthday present, she made me an adult-sized one, and even embroidered my initials onto it. It has huge sentimental value, but also serves a really great purpose: it’s really heavy. I recently discovered that one way to treat anxiety is by the use of pressure, which suppresses the central nervous system, stopping it from going into overdrive. That’s one of the many reasons hugs help make us feel better. Anyway, the blanket is really heavy, and I can just crawl up under it when I’m feeling a bit shit.

4) Tea. I love a cup of tea before bedtime, especially when it’s cold out and I’m feeling rough. There’s something so soothing about it, as well as the fact that making a cup of tea requires taking a moment out from your regular day.

5) A notebook. Throughout my struggles with anxiety and depression I’ve been advised to journal, but it’s not until I started my training journal that I appreciated the value of getting things out on paper and out of my head. I don’t think I’ve ever written a longform entry in a journal about my emotions, but sometimes writing down a list of things that you’re worried about can be overwhelmingly helpful. I like to divide them up into Can change and Can’t change. Each has their upside.

Do you struggle with any of these issues? How do you pick yourself up?
Lots of love,
Pippa
I’m sorry to hear you’re feeling low lovely but I love this post – so simple and true. Home comforts and things that make us feel safe can fight any anxiety attack no matter how bad. Big thumbs up to the candle and jumper!
Fresh bed sheets calm me way down ☺️
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Thanks love! I love clean sheets too but I can get lazy when it comes to laundry…clean fluffy towels are always gorgeous though 🙂
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Running and ice cream. Though ideally not at the same time…
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At the same time if you can manage it!
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These are good tips 🙂 I use my blog as my notebook – it helps to organise my thoughts and general daily life into words.
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I have a ton of unpublished blog posts that are more like therapy!
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Aw I feel you 100%! I too enjoy a cup of tea and a notebook. And I LOVE my cozy blanket. Sometimes a good hot shower with a good cry helps cleanse it all. 🙂
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Oh yeah there have been a few cries!
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I find running helps me with anxiety to an extent and hot baths – a chance for peace! Hope you’re ok xx
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Thanks Victoria. I do like an epsom salt bath, think that might be a good shout for tonight actually- this week’s really taken it out of me!
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The tea and sweater thing really work for me, especially if the tea has a powerful smell and the sweater is green (green is a calming color). I also found deep breaths and counting them out helpful, because concentrating on the breath helps me forget for a moment about the thing making me anxious.
I’m sorry you’re feeling low, but hope this list is working for you!
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Thank you love. I didn’t know about the green thing- or at least, I don’t wear green. Maybe some greenery in my flat would help though 🙂
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I’m sorry you’re feeling low! Hope you’re on the upswing soon.
Reading. This is the best one I’ve found. Creature comforts are nice, for sure, but I’ve found that the best way to relax is to get out of my own head for a while. When I put a book down after 30 minutes of reading it’s like I’m a different person. It’s amazing how much calmer I feel and how quiet the stress gets.
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Thanks hun, I think reading is a good shout for me- even if it’s a non-fiction it helps calm my mind down for a few minutes at least. It’s just a case of sitting down and actually making myself read!
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Sorry to hear you’re feeling low. I find I’m soothed in tough times by comfy, cosy clothes (I’ve been known to sport a onesie!), cups of tea, cuddles from my cat or a nice hot bubble bath. I find yoga really calming and relaxing too. It relaxes the body and soothes the mind.
Feel better soon x
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Thank you love. Think I’m gonna schedule in an hour of yoga at home later today. I have to schedule it in otherwise it’s just too easy to slump into bed!
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