What's the smallest thing that has made a difference?

[Locut0s]

Therapy and medication can help many people improve their emotional lives and I highly recommend at least trying them. However sometimes it's the small things that are surprisingly helpful. And sometimes it's a surprise how small these changes can be. These don't have to be things that made a HUGE impact, most of them probably won't. And you certainly aren't going to be cured by them. The idea is to think of something that has had a disproportionate impact given the size of the change in your like. For me? Daily cold showers in the morning. I've always had difficulty getting up in the morning and often curse having to do so when I'm depressed or anxious. Recently I've been feeling better and a small part of that surprisingly is just getting into the habit of taking all cold showers first thing in the morning. It's a shock to the system and amazingly invigorating. It jump starts my system and gives me some motivation. What small changes have you realized have made a difference to you?

[Tobin S.]

1. A kind word from someone. It could be anyone.

A family member or a stranger. Just a small act of kindness really gives me a boost even if I don't really feel bad.

[Locut0s]

2. Yes, people fail to recognize this in the real world. Which is why places like DU...

Are so nice to hang around. It's so supportive here, well outside of GD anyway.

Speaking of supportive (yes corny segue) I hope things are going well for you with your education! How is that coming? Keep plugging away at it, it will pay off!

[Tobin S.]

5. I'm doing well in school.

I'm getting 'A's in my classes so far this semester. I'm taking three classes a semester now and it's tough doing that and working full time, but I ran across a timely video on youtube the other day that was inspirational to me. Maybe it will be to you, too. I'm not a nursing student, but I think the things that this guys talks about can apply to anyone if you are involved in an endeavor to improve your life.

[2theleft]

3. The pure joy of my pups when I come home from work...

Or in from taking the trash out, or from being in the shower...Any time I'm gone longer than 30 seconds, the reunion is like they can't believe their luck that I'm back and that I love their little furry bodies

Lately what's really given me joy is watching a friend go through her pregnancy and being so absolutely thrilled for her. I've never had children, and after a surgery last year, will never be able to. I thought this pregnancy would be hard on me for that reason, but it hasn't been. Seeing her excitement and the love she has for her 3 year old daughter while "growing" new love for this little baby we haven't met yet has been great for me to see.

Oh, and those days when I come home and my boyfriend has made dinner, or picked up my favorite dessert, or dusted/vaccumed. Those little things really give me joy, too.

[Locut0s]

4. Nice to hear 2theleft!...

I can relate to the dogs and I've been thinking I need to get one for my own emotional health once I move out. For reasons I won't get into I can't get one now. I'm sorry about the surgery but it's nice you are finding solace in your friend. I need to get a GF at some point down the road so I know the feeling of being with someone who supports me emotionally.

[Denninmi]

6. Listening to music. Obsessively.

The Bluetooth almost never leaves my ear, except when I am where I can play it over speakers.

It really helped get me through last year, and now is a crutch/security blanket/teddy bear.

It seems harmless enough.

Also helps really motivate me during workouts.

Finally, I have expanded my horizons this way. My latest thing, I find I really enjoy contemporary country, such as Lady Antebellum, Sugarland, Brad Paisley? Rascal Flatts, Darius Rucker, Carrie Underwood.

[Locut0s]

7. Music therapy...

Sounds like you are using music therapy, it's quite common and effective. I've never been much of a music person myself but I appreciate why it would help.

[Bertha Venation]

8. When O'Malley jumps into my lap; when Charley appears for butt pats

O'Malley is a fat cat, black & brown tabby with white patches. She knows I will shower her with affection and love, and she returns it to me full measure.

Charley is a little kitty, solid black & brown tabby. She has half a left ear due to the inexperience of a vet in spaying feral cats. Charley had been feral, but she returned home two and a half years ago and made herself a housecat. But she is timid of the others, so she has her own room (master bedroom). She has a captive audience when one of us is on the can, and she runs in to get her butt patted. She is so sweet; my heart fills when she allows contact.

I love all of our cats, and no one can replace Harry le Roi (RIP 7/20/94-11/6/10) in my heart, but O'Malley and Charley are sweet, loving, devoted, and mine. They lift my spirits, or comfort me when I am on the edge of despair.

[easttexaslefty]

9. Focusing one day at a time

and if that's not working for me, one moment at a time.

[Neoma]

10. You have to do small kindnesses for yourself when you're sick.

If I'm lonely I go to the library. If I feel dumb and I don't feel like reading, I watch a documentary. If I'm mopey I listen to music.

I go to what I call boot camp yoga for exercise, and I drink hot tea when I'm anxious. I draw when I feel OCD... If I feel restless I walk.

It's good to write out plans of how to handle things when you're in certain moods. (If you're on a roller coaster with bipolar anyways.) You're in more control when you do that. Even if you still feel like shit, at least you're trying.

[olddots]

11. i don't live on coffee ,cigaretts and donuts anymore

I felt great on those things but it was just fuel for the fire of living on edge .Coffee was the hardest to quit because we love to live fast and amped thinking it improves production and us OCDers love production .