[nandm]

I have been experiencing something very similiar lately. Here is something that helped me somewhat. I hope it does you too.

January 23

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"Like many people in personal turmoil, she rose late, didn't dress other than to cloak herself in her dressing gown, and she fell asleep easily throughout the day."
----Carol Bly

Getting in Motion

When you're depressed, grieving, or feeling "under the weather," you may want to withdraw from all activity. You just stay in bed or curl up on the living room couch. You let the phone ring. You ignore obligations. But, as John Ciardi says, "The day will happen whether or not you get up." So it's important to get involved in the day rather than wish it away.

There are things you can do when you feel a lack of motivation, though. You can eat healthfully, for starters. But stay away from sweets and snack foods, and get the basic protien, vitamins, and minerals into your body. With proper nourishment --- even from one good, balanced meal a day --- you can aquire more energy and clearer thinking.

Second, take a shower or bath so you can feel clean on the outside, even if you feel muddy on the inside. Brush your teeth. Comb your hair. Shave or put on makeup, even if you're not going out. Wear clean clothes. Such simple grooming rituals can become an important element in helping restore your dignity and self-esteem.

Finally, get in motion! Physical activity is an extremely important part of recovery from depression. Exercise keeps the muscles toned, the blood moving, and pumps oxygen to the brain for sharper concentration. You don't have to run a marathon or pump sharper concentration. Simply take a walk. Walk to the store, to the park, or even just around your apartment complex or yard. Walk at least ten minutes every day, and you'll be taking the necessary steps to help you feel better.

I let motion override my mental paralysis so I participate in today.

(Facing Life's Challenges)