Depression is a feeling of persistent sadness and hopelessness. It is a disorder having its’ various symptoms and one gets diagnosed by an expert after technical probing. But these days, women claim to experience depression as if it is as common as feeling sad sometimes. Sure, it begins with sadness. Stress due to a tensed situation in life can be a reason too. I am going to focus on South Asian women feeling sad or worthless because apparently every one of them seems to claim that they experience depression often. Well, it is NOT depression but it can turn into it. It is feeling sad and worthless. It is having low self-esteem. Our women spend their lives working for others, their husbands, children, family, in-laws etc. Some enjoy it too, while others complain about it. When they reach their menopause the feeling starts. The feeling that "I am worthless, I'm important to no one, my word is least important, what? Do they think I'm insane? I've sacrificed my whole life for them, what have they done for me in return?" and kids, they are like, "seriously mom? Go get a life", that there is the mistake they have made, not getting their own life. Sadness, frustration and stress leading to depression affect your life partner the most after affecting you, and probably your kids if they are young and dependent on you. It is never too late to get a life, ever. Either you are young having young kids or in your middle age, loving yourself the way you like your loved ones to love you is the key. Here are seven things you can do to love yourself:
Balanced diet and enough sleep
Include stress releasing foods in your daily meals e.g. fish, omega 3s, leafy vegetables, berries and beans. Do not take carbohydrates excessively. The idea is to get a balanced diet. You should watch what you eat in order to stop stress eating. Take plenty of water to hydrate properly and eat salads and fruits. Nothing is more helpful and satisfying then taking fresh uncooked food. Sleep enough. Do not oversleep. The first condition to fight any mental disturbance is to keep physically healthy first.
Exercise
Ask yourself, do you really spend an hour or half an hour exercising. And it must be at least thrice a week and ideally daily. If no then being healthy is just another unachieved dream. It’s not necessary to mention that exercises eliminate all the aggression and foul feelings. If your answer is that I do chores all day long then know it that that is NOT exercise. These are called chores, not exercise, they are tiring and you need to put some of the responsibility on others because after all, they live in the house too. Do yourself a favour and take in walking, swimming, yoga or aerobics in your daily routine. Any form of exercise you like.
Meditation
Meditate. Breathing exercises are so much helpful in relaxation process. Breathe deeply and exhale all your worries out. Sit in open air if available or may be near a window, close your eyes and think only positive and beautiful things. Think all the good things about you and your life or if it’s possible for you not to think at all, it’s even better. But do count the blessings in your life every now and then.
Do what you love i.e. have a hobby
You should have something to do which you love in your free time. It can be anything like writing, painting, going out for a drive or to gym. The feeling you experience while doing something you love just for you is very good for your self-esteem.
Consider a job or volunteer work
Having a productive job is satisfying at the end of the day, whether it is paid or unpaid. If you can’t do fulltime job then opt for part-time. It gives your day a purpose and boosts up your self-esteem.
Set yourself short-term and long-term goals
Your life must have some goals, to which you can look forward. Set your goals for the long-term by trying to achieve the short-term goals. It can be work, travel, and things related to your family or anything that is important to you and you wish it to happen i.e. your dream. You have to tell yourself that ‘I can do it’. The point is to try. Even if you don’t succeed, you will have the satisfaction that you tried.
Enjoy life and have fun
Enjoy your life with yourself, your family and loved ones. You don’t need any reason to celebrate. Celebrate the very existence of you. Have fun with your kids. Plan a trip. Socialize. Be happy.
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