WELLNESS | DEPRESSION
How Two Simple Wellness Therapies Saved My Life.
Rising From Anxiety and Depression to Embracing Life.
As a child, my parents did not permit us to have confidence in anything other than traditional medicine.
And for their peace of mind, it was the best option they could trust.
However, as an adult struggling during Covid to cope with anxiety and depression, traditional medicine didn't cut it.
Some days, I'd feel like I was sinking to the bottom of the ocean, screaming without being heard.
On other days, I'd find I cannot breathe.
Although I wasn't working, I was mentally and emotionally drained, struggling to cope with undue stress in my head.
One day, backed into a corner of my room with my head in my hands, knees drawn, and my thoughts scattered all over the place, I received a call from a friend.
He asked why I hadn't come out of my room in days, and I broke down over the phone.
The next thing he said was, “Breathe for me, Jane.”
“Take deep breaths and hold it until I ask you to let go.”
Sniffing and wiping my eyes, I did as instructed and felt my body ease up.
He asked if I had any upbeat or uplifting music I enjoyed listening to. I told him that all my songs made me want to cry more.
He laughed and pointed me to YouTube Music, asking that I pick something that'll make me feel more alive than broken.
I did, and it worked.
That day, I cried a bucketful of relieving tears because I felt more alive after one phone call than I had in months.
Later, I asked him how he knew to tell me to breathe. He said he’d read about it somewhere.
I researched and found articles on holistic wellness therapies that promote mindful living.
It’s been my guiding light through living mindfully ever since.
How I Helped Myself Become More Intentional About My Lifestyle.
Rising from anxiety and depression to embracing life demanded intentionality on my part.
To help myself progress, I did the following.
— Journaling
I discovered my passion for writing around the same time as my healing, so journaling helped unlock my creativity and fuel my wellness journey.
I took stock of my feelings daily, examined my thoughts, and embraced positive self-talk.
— Taking Walks and Observing Nature
Before this time, I had barely left my room, except it was necessary.
To let go, I had to step out frequently from the environment and negative thoughts that caused me undue mental stress.
Observing nature and enjoying the vibrant greenery around me, I felt alive and calm inside.
— Speaking Openly About My Feeling
Being reserved and introverted made opening up to others about my feelings, trauma, and pain difficult.
But with small steps, I picked a handful of trusted people and opened up to them whenever needed.
They listened without judgment and advised genuinely.
These three steps and more have helped me stay intentional about my wellness and lifestyle journey.
Final Thoughts —
I thought my life was over two years ago, but two simple wellness therapies — deep breathing and listening to music — helped me take a step off the ledge.
It gave me the courage to live again, to find myself, and embrace my struggles without feeling broken.
If you’re struggling with rising from anxiety and depression, I hope this article helps you find the courage to breathe again.
Hi, I’m Jane. I enjoy sharing articles about gratitude, growth, healing, wellness, and intriguing, relatable topics.
Thank you for reading my piece. I hope you’ll share your thoughts on it.
