It has been a hard year in one way or another for everyone. Mental health has taken a dive and many of our usual coping activities have become less accessible. I am no exception. On the bright side (?), I now have a third flavor of depression to add to my menu.

In the summer, I was coping better. Outdoor activities were easier, gardening was a possibility, and the sun was dosing me with that sweet sweet vitamin D. Now, the short days of winter have my feet dragging and my mind foggy. When you're stuck in a sticky pit of despair, it can be hard to find a reason to reach for the hose...but perhaps a bit easier if the hose is labeled "despair demolisher" (follow me for more flawless metaphors).

I'm guessing many of you might feel similarly this time of year. So, today I am going to share with you some of the self-care activities I have used in the last year to combat the slowly crushing weight that is depression. I hope that seeing my activities helps even one person to brave their own struggles.

First on my list is the time I spent with these three heroes:

Then, there's crafting. For me crafting is a productivity hack for my weary soul. See brain, I'm not doing anything important. Surprise! It was actually a scarf the whole time! I realize that the fruits of my labor aren't exactly gold star worthy. However, when vines of unworthiness creep through my mind, I channel my inner Mr. Rogers, who said, "I'm not very good at it. But it doesn't matter. It's the fun of doing it that's important". So, I choose to cut away the vines and venture through my mediocrity full of passion.

Many walks were had

Fires and Family (following all pandemic rules)

And of course, I took time to indulge myself.

Tell me about your self-care activities. I'd love to hear them.