Depression rolled in like marine fog on the Oregon Coast in July. One moment I’m breathing in clean, fresh air with the sun shining bright. The next, that fog rolls in and I can’t see five feet ahead. The air is heavy and so wet it drips off the fingers.

Sigh. Here we go again.

On Saturday, I finally forced myself out of bed close to noon. It’s been YEARS since I stayed in bed that long. The things that went wrong in the last few weeks were more than I could count on all my digits. I was exhausted.

Mindfulness is particularly valuable when one is prone to depression. It helps to be aware of your own triggers. Exhaustion is pretty universal. I had been traveling for three weeks, which means my diet changed (not often for the better). My exercise routine changed as well.

So how do you get back out of the fog into the light? Everyone is different, which is why having the help of a coach to get focused on what is best for YOU can be profoundly helpful. But here are a few suggestions that might help!

Do what you CAN do – On Saturday, I rested and caught up on some reading. There were so many things on my “to do” list that I felt overwhelmed. I picked something, anything, that I felt I could do. Hanging up all the pictures in one of my rooms helped me feel like I accomplished something. It needed to be done, and even though it doesn’t seem like a big deal, that day, it was.

Inventory what’s gone RIGHT – We can be so quick to judge the things that didn’t work out. My daughter reminded me that when she doesn’t feel good about herself, she counts the things that have gone right that day. Be specific. You’ll find that you are successful at many things — I got out of bed today, I brushed my teeth, I did the dishes, I took a shower, — It doesn’t matter what it is. Celebrate what’s gone right.

Connect – Sunday, I went to church. It feels easier to avoid others when depressed. I may not stay to visit on weekends like this, but it helps to get outside (of the house and myself). A good visit with my daughter, who is a solid part of my support system, also helped.

Doing right things leads to other right things – Last night and this morning I sat in meditation. It had been a few days. Meditation is such a powerful part of my wellness. That led me to using some energy medicine techniques while listening to music. I chose a good breakfast this morning (rather than the pizza that I succumbed to on Saturday, and that I choose not to feel guilty about). That led to better energy.

Worried about my long list of things that needed to be done, I wasn’t sure I should take the time for a walk. I reminded myself of the benefits: Sunlight increases Vitamin D, and melatonin – good for mood and sleep. Increased oxygen to all parts of the body, including the brain. Doing something healthy feels good!

The fog started to lift within ten minutes. New ideas came to me while I walked and I began to feel better about myself. I walked slower that a few weeks ago, and I took a few opportunities to STOP: Stop, Take a deep breath, Observe my thoughts, feelings and body reactions, and Proceed with awareness — awareness that I was coming out of the dark.

There can be spectacular light in the dark. I have a great view of town fireworks from my apartment window!

STOP and smell the flowers.

“I choose my destination the moment I choose which trail to take.”
~ Matthew Flitton