Coping with depression can feel like a fog that dulls the vibrancy of life,
making it challenging to appreciate the world around us. Sometimes it is a seasonal sadness that seems to pull us under year after year. Sometimes it is situational, after a major loss, or change, and we feel like we never will recover. Other times it is the way our brain is functioning and struggling to feel joy.
There are no "easy fixes" when you are feeling depressed. Depression is different than sadness. It's where you loose motivation for doing even the things you used to like, you feel hopeless, numb, irritable, exhausted yet can't sleep, the list goes on.
While it isn't an instant fix, finding beauty in our surroundings can be a powerful coping skill. Here are four ways that embracing beauty can help lift the weight of depression:
1. Enhances Mood Through Aesthetic Appreciation
Paying attention to beauty often helps bolster positive emotions. Whether it’s a breathtaking sunset, a piece of art, or a cozy nook in your home, taking a moment to appreciate these elements can significantly enhance your mood.
Research shows that engaging with beautiful surroundings can trigger the release of dopamine, the “feel-good” neurotransmitter. By intentionally seeking out beauty—like visiting a botanical garden or watching a favorite movie—you can create moments of joy that counterbalance the heaviness of depression.
When you find yourself in a beautiful situation, it's ok to not "feel it" right away. Like a bath, just soak in the beauty and allow yourself to feel whatever you need to or don't need to.
2. Cultivates Mindfulness and Presence
Finding beauty encourages us to be present in the moment. When we focus on the details of our environment, whether it's the intricate patterns of leaves or the warmth of a loved one’s smile, we practice mindfulness.
This grounding technique can reduce anxiety and help us feel more connected to the world around us. Mindfulness, in turn, can ease symptoms of depression by fostering a sense of calm and clarity, allowing us to get a break from negative thought patterns.
3. Fostering Connection with Others
Sharing experiences of beauty can create bonds with others. Whether it’s admiring art in a gallery, playing games, or simply going for a walk with a friend, these moments of beauty provide opportunities for connection.
Talking about what you find beautiful can lead to deeper conversations and shared experiences, which can combat feelings of isolation often associated with depression. Building these social connections is crucial for emotional well-being, reminding us that we’re not alone in our struggles.
It's always good to share about the deep stuff you are going through. Don't go into that toxic positivity where "everything's fine". That's one side of the spectrum, but the other sides is to only talk about what isn't going well in life and wallow in it.
If you struggle with either of these, going too positive or too negative, may practice appropriate vulnerability where you set a timer for 5-10 minutes and talk about what is uncomfortable or beautiful.
4. Inspires Creativity and Self-Expression
Engaging with beauty can ignite our creative impulses. Give yourself time for this one. As you allow yourself to soak in beauty, it does change you but it doesn't happen all at the same time. When you see something beautiful around you or in someone else, speak it out, let yourself say what you appreciate.
Allowing ourselves to express what we find beautiful gives a voice to our feelings and experiences, serving as an outlet for emotions that might otherwise feel overwhelming. This self-expression can lead to personal insights and healing, helping to alleviate some of the burdens of depression.
If you feel like drawing but don't have the energy, draw your finger over the surface you are sitting on. If you feel like writing but don't have the words, type or write out everything that comes to your brain, no pressure or expectation. If you feel like working out but don't have the energy for a full work out, get up and sway or dance to a song.
Whatever inspires you, if it's important to you, it's best to do it poorly than not doing it at all!
Incorporating beauty into our lives doesn’t require grand gestures; it can be as simple as noticing the patterns of light and shadow in your room or savoring a favorite song. By intentionally seeking out and embracing beauty, we can foster a sense of hope and joy, even during the darkest times.
Remember, the journey through depression is unique for everyone, but finding beauty can be a powerful tool to help navigate that path. Embrace the beauty around you, and let it guide you toward a brighter tomorrow.
Want some practical steps to self growth? Check out our Reflections Journal here!
Comments