2017-12-03T17:08:00.000-08:00

Photographer: Anthony Tran | Source: unsplash.com

A "happy toolbox" is basically a list of things that make you happy. One way to help you overcome depression is developing a "happy toolbox". This has helped me a lot, especially on my really bad days. When I feel like a dark cloud is over my head that I can't seem to shake off, I pick something from my "happy toolbox" and I do it.

As someone dealing with depression, it is important you do things you enjoy or used to enjoy. Even if you don't have the energy for it, doing enjoyable things is essential for your mental health. You might even be surprised at how much better you feel afterwards.

Don't be mistaken though. A "happy toolbox" is not a cure for depression. Trust me, it takes a whole lot more to no longer be clinically depressed than "doing things you enjoy". A "happy toolbox" is a quick mood booster to get you out of that funk you recognize you are in. It is something you can do to make the road to mental recovery a little less bumpy. It has helped me a lot during the bumpy times where I felt like giving up.
It doesn't even have to be big things either. Most of my tools are things I can do in the middle of my day. And that's what you want to fill your toolbox with. Realistic and doable everyday activities.
Here is an example of what my "happy toolbox" consists of:

1. Call my sister
2. Write in my journal
3. Treat myself to boba
4. Listen to Porter Robinson
5. Watch a funny YouTube video
6. Have a face-to-face conversation with a friend
7. Try a new make up look
8. Take a long, hot shower
9. Read a good book
10. Look at old photos
11. Take my dog for a walk

Like I said, they don't have to be big things. One of the biggest lessons I learned is to appreciate even the littlest things. There will be days you feel like you have zero energy to do anything. So keep it simple. Even the smallest things can make the biggest difference.

Good luck. And remember - you are not alone.

2017-12-01T21:26:00.001-08:00

Hello world! Welcome to my blog.

I've been wanting to start a blog for a long time now. Back in my high school days, I used Tumblr a lot and I would let out all my teenage angst in a post. And after my Tumblr days were done, I still continued to write almost every day in a journal. I realized writing is what keeps me sane and it's my way of expressing my feelings. I love writing.

I will always encourage journal writing to every one I meet as a good way for self reflection and self growth. And that is why I started my own personal blog: to share my thoughts, memories, and emotions to whoever is willing to read. Which honestly will probably be no one haha.

I'm not trying to be a hardcore blogger or make money off of doing this. I just want a platform to share my world with the rest of you! And if you are actually reading this: thank you for taking the time to read!

I still don't know what direction I want to take with this, but we'll see how much time I have and if any ideas pop into my head. I just want to write and share for now.

Until next time!

Vanessa Marie