Keep Busy is the key. Pursue a hobby, it helps a lot trust me!! Likw MS001 mentioned, Gym is indeed a very effective solution to reduce stress, not just the gym, long walks or jogs will help.
I myself visit the gym every other day and it keeps my energy level up and stress down. Don't watch the tube a lot, it leaves an empty feeling after you get up wasting about an hour or so watching it.
Above all, thank God for he has given you, trust me there are so many less fortunate souls. Take a trip to a hospital, I did recently as a friend of mine had a motorcycle accident and just the sight of the patients made me express my gratitude to the almighty and say a prayer for the less fortunate.
I had promised myself that I would take part only in immigration related matters, however this topic, I found interesting as I have been there too and have bounced back thought not totally.
Good Luck and look outside right now and enjoy the natural beauty for a change rather than looking for materialistic beauty.....
I like what Alka shared here...with a little twist. A real time life experience, I want to share too...
Almost an year ago, I was totally depressed, almost to the point of no return. Almost became an alcoholic, chugging down a couple of drinks every night. While some might argue 2 drinks might not be much, it will eventually catch up on you and make you dependent, especially if there is slightest OCD or GAD symptoms.
Now, I am a happy, more successful and enthusiastic individual. While I can ramble on and on about this topic, and almost sound like one of those commercials on TV...lets concentrate on the approach.
1. Identify the problem.
2. Stop thinking and day dreaming, start taking action.
3. Divert yourself away and take pleasures in simple things.
4. Refuel and reload often
Predominantly...the most common reason for the problem is "Comparison" of any kind. Tackle this problem at the grass root level and you will solve half the problem and develop your own approach. I might sound dumb....but the best way to reload and refuel... is in the bathroom. Its that rectangular thing above the sink..."mirror". Close the door, switch on the exhaust fan so that your family members dont think you are a psycho....and start talking to yourself. 2 min and you will start smiling or sweating depending on your mood....and both are good to release the elements that will fight depressive symptoms.
Like Alka mentioned...stop watching "aimless" TV. Decide the programs you want to watch, and just stick to that list. In that way you will not feel void, you will feel happy that you did exactly what you wanted to do.
Now...as for visiting the hospital...while it might sound rude, embarrassing and down right unethical to walk into a hospital for no reason and derive encouragement from destitute people...a better way to do it is to become a volunteer at a hospital, charitable society or even just a library/place of worship. Which ever you chose, it will give you a chance to take a look at others, rather than worrying or thinking about yourself.
Keeping busy is the key. Keeping yourself "incomplete" is the key. There has to be one aspect of yourself, that you still need to explore...always. if you are in IT, read about say....hmm...becoming a teacher...if you are a Doctor...think about how to develop a webpage. You get the picture? - Challenge yourself !!
My approach:
Gym 3 times a week
Cycling 50 miles a week
Certification/Educational challege : once a week
Read atleast 40 pages everyday, from any "real/physical" book.
Volunteer work at local library and hospital: once every 2 weeks.
Trust me, a few of these things, and your regular news/tv/web surfing and work....will leave only one thing for you to think about. And that is Family. Squeeze in time and joy that you spend and get on that front....and you will be a completely happy person day by day.
Wanted to pour in and share my experiences...thats all. I was fortunate to get helpful tips from couple of very influential and successful people in my life...one is a doctor and the other is a top executive (my cousins).
Good luck and happy times everyone !!
Stop wasting time and take a break....and prepare a plan. Then start executing...
Hope this helps.
-Nervewreck
(Not any more)
