Whenever I feel this way, which is often, I tinker with my homelab or play music. Oftentimes I don't feel to motivation to, but I know once I start I'll get sucked right in.
this post was submitted on 03 Aug 2023
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Asklemmy
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Making something. I'm taking lessons on metalworking, and it's really satisfying to have something that I made which can be useful in my daily life.
ive been wanting to make a game or something, like that but honestly im not sure, i cant even code, i wonder if there is something easier to do?
That's a great point. If you start out with a definite objective like that, it's going to be hard to get past the depression hump. I know for me I have to give myself more general objectives. So instead make a goal of learning how to code. You can find tons of lessons online that are aimed at teaching kids, and they typically have a gamification component to them. That quick hit of serotonin is what you need to stay with it. If, instead, you start out wanting to make a game app for your phone, you'll quit when it gets too hard.
Dancing. There were dark times in my life where the dance practice was the highlight of the week. You get to know people too and when you choose a style of music you like it's almost impossible to feel bad. I know of people I met there who need it as well to stay positive.
Also it's physical and mental exercise in one. Perfect.
Turn the passive watching into something a bit active if you can. I like watching TV, and I sometimes try to analyze the data from them. Similarly, if you like watching youtube videos, maybe examine what it is that excites you about them, if any, analyze and introspect.
Iโve thrown myself into competitive powerlifting and my bipolar disorder has been stable for like three years. The exercise can be tough but it really levels me out.
For me, it was running and reducing alcohol to very moderate levels. I'm at the point now that I crave a run to clear my mind and lower my stress. I rarely ever feel depressed anymore. Total game changer for me.
I have started to knit. I usually will watch TV or listen to a podcast and as I become better, I try more complex projects that force me to put more thought in what I'm doing.
I started out not doing anything specific, basically different lengths of squares and rectangles, because I also struggle with motivation to do anything. It was really just so I would have something to do and keep myself busy with. Then I started to include more simple techniques and then motifs and now patterns. If it's something that interests you, I think it's a great way to get distracted and at the end of it, you get a "reward" (being whatever you knit).
I hope you find something that helps you and that eventually you overcome depression.
Juggle. You must have 3 similar ball shaped items around the house. There's lots of tutorials online. You get your blood feeling, body moving. Such a nice rush when you finally get that new pattern or trick you were working on.