Explore this community to find routines created by experts to help manage depression. Support is a proven method for positive behavior change, so we encourage sharing your thoughts and clapping each other's progress.
 
 
Depression is a common mental health condition that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. Take each day at a time and remember that tomorrow is a new day! Remember to reach out for help when you need it: <a style="font-weight:bold" href="tel:+1800-662-4357">SAMHSA's National Helpline 1-800-662-HELP</a>.

Depression

Explore this community to find routines created by experts to help manage depression. Support is a proven method for positive behavior change, so we encourage sharing your thoughts and clapping each other's progress.


Depression is a common mental health condition that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. Take each day at a time and remember that tomorrow is a new day! Remember to reach out for help when you need it: SAMHSA's National Helpline 1-800-662-HELP.

Sleep problems are a big contributing factor for staying stuck in depression. Poor sleep worsens your mood, increases pain and stress, and interferes with concentration and willpower. Taking these small steps to improve sleep quality is one of the simplest yet most powerful tools to improve your mood and reverse the course of depression. 
Start by implementing small changes in your daily actions and bedtime environment. This routine will help you create incremental and consistent changes in your bedtime routine to improve your sleep quality and make you feel well rested and restored. Over time, these small changes will alter the activity and chemistry of key brain circuits to enhance your mood, reduce stress, and more.

It's important to recognize that you don't need to find your way through depression all on your own. There's a whole field of mental health professionals who can help. While this routine provides many useful steps for overcoming depression, for many people the most important step is getting into therapy or even just contacting a mental health professional.

Resources:
<li><a style="font-weight:bold" href="tel:+1800-662-4357">SAMHSA's National Helpline 1-800-662-HELP</a> is a free, confidential referral and information service for those facing mental health disorders</li><li>National Institute of Mental Health offers <a style="font-weight:bold" href="https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/education-awareness/shareable-resources-on-depression.shtml">Shareable Resources on Depression</a> to help raise awareness and provide education about depression.</li>

Out of bed at my regular wake-up time

Get some sunshine 

Walk or get some physical activity

Practice gratitude (write 3+ items)

Avoid taking a nap during the day

Avoid caffeine in the afternoon and evening

Keep my bedroom for relaxing activities (e.g. avoid working in bed)

Avoid consuming alcohol at least 2 hours before bedtime

Dim the lights at least an hour before bedtime

Pause work activities at least 30 minutes before bedtime

Stop using screens at least 30 minutes before bedtime

Practice calming activities during the 30 minutes before bedtime

In bed by my regular bedtime

Improve Your Sleep to Reverse Depression

Come look on the Bright Side with Howie and JC. This supportive community will cheer you on if you're feeling lost, down, alone, depressed or simply looking for transformation. Find and follow routines that will keep you on track and help you feel your best.

The Bright Side

Depression is, unfortunately, a very stable state, because your brain goes through certain repetitive motions and thoughts that keep you depressed. Doing small activities to help you feel better may seem too difficult. However, by taking a few simple steps, you can show your brain that changing your mood is possible and desirable.
 
Research shows that making small, incremental changes in your thoughts, actions, and environment actually can alter the activity and chemistry of key brain circuits that contribute to depression. This routine covers the key steps to start reversing the course of depression. You’ll gradually break unhelpful habits or behaviors that contribute to depression and start doing more helpful ones.

It's important to recognize that you don't need to find your way through depression all on your own. There's a whole field of mental health professionals who can help. While this routine provides many useful steps for overcoming depression, for many people the most important step is getting into therapy or even just contacting a mental health professional.

Resources:
<li><a style="font-weight:bold" href="tel:+1800-662-4357">SAMHSA's National Helpline 1-800-662-HELP</a> is a free, confidential referral and information service for those facing mental health disorders</li><li>National Institute of Mental Health offers <a style="font-weight:bold" href="https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/education-awareness/shareable-resources-on-depression.shtml">Shareable Resources on Depression</a> to help raise awareness and provide education about depression.</li>

Get dressed

Take a shower

Brush my teeth

Leave the house

Get some sunshine

Treat myself with compassion

Practice slow breathing for at least 1 minute

Chat with a supportive friend, family member, therapist, or support group

Do a fun activity or something I’m good at

Accomplish at least one thing on my to-do list

Take one step towards an important goal of mine

Simple Steps to Reverse Depression

This Is My Brave is a community of individuals who are empowered to put their names and faces on their true stories of recovery from mental illness and addiction. Our vision is to one day live in a world where we don't have to call it "brave" for talking openly about mental illness. We'll simply call it talking.
 
 
Learn more about us at our website: <a href="http://www.thisismybrave.org/">www.thisismybrave.org</a>

This Is My Brave

Everyone experiences a down day sometimes, but for some, these feelings persist. Countless numbers of people are affected by depression in their lives. Depression is complex, and it takes time to heal. But that doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with you--depression is a problem with the way the thinking, feeling, habit, and reward circuits in the brain are communicating with and regulating each other. 
 
Fortunately, there are small daily steps you can take to alter the activity and chemistry of key brain circuits that contribute to depression. These adjustments in your habits can offer a little more joy and meaning back into your life and can help you feel calmer, happier, and more connected to the people and things that are important to you. Start small, start simple, and you’ll feel positive improvements in your wellbeing.

It's important to recognize that you don't need to find your way through depression all on your own. There's a whole field of mental health professionals who can help. While this routine provides many useful steps for overcoming depression, for many people the most important step is getting into therapy or even just contacting a mental health professional.

Resources:
<li><a style="font-weight:bold" href="tel:+1800-662-4357">SAMHSA's National Helpline 1-800-662-HELP</a> is a free, confidential referral and information service for those facing mental health disorders</li><li>National Institute of Mental Health offers <a style="font-weight:bold" href="https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/education-awareness/shareable-resources-on-depression.shtml">Shareable Resources on Depression</a> to help raise awareness and provide education about depression.</li>

Practice slow-breathing or mindfulness for at least 5 minutes

Do something creative, write, listen to music, or read

Accomplish at least one item on my to-do list

Take 30 minutes of my day to do a moderate intensity physical activity

Go outside and take a walk in nature

Advanced Steps for Dealing with Depression

Depression is, unfortunately, a very stable state, because your brain tends to think and act in ways that keep you depressed. All the little things that might contribute to you feeling better just seem too difficult.

Fortunately, research shows that making specific small changes in your thoughts, actions, interactions, and environment actually change the activity and chemistry of key brain circuits that contribute to depression. This routine is designed to cover the key first steps to start reversing the course of depression. You don’t need to change everything all at once, just take one small step in the right direction.

It’s important to recognize that you don’t need to find your way through depression on your own. There’s a field of mental health professionals who can help. While this routine provides many useful steps for overcoming depression, for many people the most important step is getting into therapy.

Resources:
<li><a style="font-weight:bold" href="tel:+1800-662-4357">SAMHSA's National Helpline 1-800-662-HELP</a> is a free, confidential referral and information service for those facing mental health disorders</li><li>National Institute of Mental Health offers <a style="font-weight:bold" href="https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/education-awareness/shareable-resources-on-depression.shtml">Shareable Resources on Depression</a> to help raise awareness and provide education about depression.</li>

Go for a walk or get some physical activity

Get some sunlight

Do an activity I enjoy

Don’t blame myself for being depressed

Chat with a supportive friend, family member, or co-worker

Practice one self-care activity (i.e. read, journal, listen to music, cook)

First Steps to Reverse Depression

Follow this community to find ways to help manage your anxiety with fellow members, and explore routines created by expert partners in psychology and therapy. Support is a proven method for positive behavior change, so we encourage sharing your thoughts and clapping each other's progress.
 
 
Anxiety is characterized by feelings of worry or fear that are strong enough to interfere with one's daily activities. Take each day one step at a time and remember to reach out for help when you need it!

Anxiety

Follow this community to find ways to help manage your anxiety with fellow members, and explore routines created by expert partners in psychology and therapy. Support is a proven method for positive behavior change, so we encourage sharing your thoughts and clapping each other's progress.


Anxiety is characterized by feelings of worry or fear that are strong enough to interfere with one's daily activities. Take each day one step at a time and remember to reach out for help when you need it!

People with anxiety overestimate threats about daily life situations, such as, “What if I have a headache, could it be a brain tumor? What if I make a mistake at work, could I get fired? What if our kids don’t get good grades?” Life becomes a series of “What if” questions. This can also lead to distressing physical symptoms, such as restlessness, irritability, sleep problems, difficulty concentrating, and muscle tension.

Breaking free from worry is difficult, often because of beliefs such as, “If I don’t worry, I won’t be prepared” or “If I don’t worry, something bad might really happen.” Yet, this doesn’t provide the certainty and reassurance you seek. Ongoing worry causes more anxiety and becomes a habit that is hard to break. This routine focuses on accepting uncertainties and breaking free from worry cycles, along with decreasing physical symptoms that arise due to anxiety. 

It’s important to recognize that you don’t need to find your way through Generalized Anxiety Disorder all on your own. There’s a whole field of mental health professionals who can help. While this routine provides many useful steps for overcoming worry and generalized anxiety symptoms, for many people the most important step is getting into therapy or even just contacting a mental health professional.

Resources:
<li><a style="font-weight:bold" href="http://adaa.org">Anxiety and Depression Association of America</a> offers information and resources about anxiety disorders (and depression), and provides resources for finding therapists</li><li><a style="font-weight:bold" href="http://abct.org">Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies</a> offers information and resources about anxiety disorders (and other mental health conditions), and provides resources for finding therapists </li>

Did not stay in bed worrying

Set intentions for decreasing worry and coping with uncertainty

Meditate for 5+ min

Practice one calming activity today

Mindfully notice when I engage in worry thoughts

Practice accepting uncertainty instead of worrying or seeking reassurance

Write what I value more in my life than time spent worrying

Do an activity I value even if it feels uncomfortable not to worry

If necessary, use pre-planned “worry times” later in the day

Set a time for problem-solving any issues

Reward myself for taking steps towards breaking my worry cycle

Log and/or share my successes with others

Connect with someone I trust

Practice self-compassion for learning new ways to face my anxiety

Alleviating Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

My name is Taylor Marae, I am a registered dietitian with a Masters in Science and Nutrition specifically focused on functional nutrition/mental health. I have a passion for the connection between mental health, what you eat, lifestyle and healing the body holistically!

Taylor's Community

When panic attacks strike unexpectedly, you may feel like you’re dying, going crazy, or unable to come to terms with how scared you feel. In these situations, your body’s natural fight-or-flight response is triggered out of context. If you interpret these sensations as frightening or dangerous, you may avoid situations that could trigger them again. But you should know these sensations aren’t dangerous; they’re natural reactions and helpful if you’re in real danger.

Treatment for panic disorder focuses on facing your panic sensations and learning that although they might be uncomfortable, they aren’t dangerous and you can handle them. By incorporating mindful steps, you’ll become less afraid and more confident in your ability to cope. Learning to accept bodily sensations is your ticket to freedom from living in fear of them.

It’s important to recognize that you don’t need to find your way through Panic Disorder all on your own. There’s a whole field of mental health professionals who can help. While this routine provides many useful steps for overcoming your fear of panic sensations, for many people the most important step is getting into therapy or even just contacting a mental health professional.

Resources:
<li><a style="font-weight:bold" href="http://adaa.org">Anxiety and Depression Association of America</a> offers information and resources about anxiety disorders (and depression), and provides resources for finding therapists</li><li><a style="font-weight:bold" href="http://abct.org">Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies</a> offers information and resources about anxiety disorders (and other mental health conditions), and provides resources for finding therapists </li>

Did not stay in bed worrying or focusing on physical sensations

Practice mindfulness (through an app or when eating, moving, or talking)

Take calm belly breaths for at least one minute

Take note when I have anxious thoughts about having panic attacks

Practice responding to fearful thoughts about panic sensations with acceptance

Reward and show myself compassion if I learn one new way to face my fears

Mindfully notice whenever I feel discomfort from a panic sensation

Do one activity that I enjoy, even if I might feel panic sensations

Practice one calming activity before bedtime

Alleviating Panic Disorder

When panic attacks strike unexpectedly, you may feel like you’re dying, going crazy, or unable to come to terms with how scared you feel. In these situations, your body’s natural fight-or-flight response is triggered out of context. If you interpret these sensations as frightening or dangerous, you may avoid situations that could trigger them again. But you should know these sensations aren’t dangerous; they’re natural reactions and helpful if you’re in real danger.

Treatment for panic disorder focuses on facing your panic sensations (known as exposure therapy) and learning that although they might be uncomfortable, they aren’t dangerous and you can handle them. By learning how to face discomfort, you’ll become less afraid and more confident in your ability to cope. This routine includes strategies to enhance and maintain your progress, such as breathing awareness, mindfulness, self-compassion, and clarifying your greater life values.

It’s important to recognize that you don’t need to find your way through Panic Disorder all on your own. There’s a whole field of mental health professionals who can help. While this routine provides many useful steps for overcoming your fear of panic sensations, for many people the most important step is getting into therapy or even just contacting a mental health professional.

Resources:
<li><a style="font-weight:bold" href="http://adaa.org">Anxiety and Depression Association of America</a> offers information and resources about anxiety disorders (and depression), and provides resources for finding therapists</li><li><a style="font-weight:bold" href="http://abct.org">Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies</a> offers information and resources about anxiety disorders (and other mental health conditions), and provides resources for finding therapists </li>

Take calm, slow belly breaths for at least one minute

Read, listen, or watch videos about panic attacks and treatment

Write or review what I value more than avoiding panic sensations

Engage in an activity I value even if I might feel panic sensations

Practice exposure to a situation that triggers panic sensations and accept possible discomfort

Reward myself for taking any positive steps towards accepting panic sensations

Practice self-compassion for learning new ways to face my fears

Advanced Steps for Alleviating Panic Disorder

Social anxiety is an intense and persistent fear of social or performance situations. The core fear is being scrutinized and negatively judged by others, either in specific situations (like public speaking or dating) or across multiple situations. People with social anxiety either avoid or endure social situations with great anxiety. Anticipating social situations can also be exhausting. Anxiety or panic during these situations can feel excruciating, and post-event processing can be all-consuming. 

Treatment focuses on facing your fears. If your fears prevent you from living the life you want, facing them instead of avoiding them will give you the freedom you desire. This routine will help you learn to accept that it’s okay to be imperfect. You’ll learn that you can cope with possible judgment by others rather than dwell on mistakes or thoughts about what others may think about you.

It’s important to recognize that you don’t need to find your way through Social Anxiety Disorder all on your own. There’s a whole field of mental health professionals who can help. While this routine provides many useful steps for overcoming your social anxiety fears, for many people the most important step is getting into therapy or even just contacting a mental health professional.

Resources:
<li><a style="font-weight:bold" href="http://adaa.org">Anxiety and Depression Association of America</a> offers information and resources about anxiety disorders (and depression), and provides resources for finding therapists</li><li><a style="font-weight:bold" href="http://nationalsocialanxietycenter.com">nationalsocialanxietycenter.com</a> offers information and resources about social anxiety, and provides resources for finding therapists specializing in treating social anxiety.</li><li><a style="font-weight:bold" href="https://www.abct.org/">Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies</a> offers information and resources about anxiety disorders (and other mental health conditions), and provides resources for finding therapists</li>

Did not stay in bed worrying about upcoming or past social situations

Review my daily intentions for facing social situations and coping with anxiety

Calmly notice when I have anxious thoughts about being evaluated

Practice acceptance to making mistakes or being judged by others

Write or review what I value more in my life than avoiding judgment

When anticipating a feared social event, accept uncertainty and shift my thoughts

Engage in an activity I value even if it may mean feeling embarrassed or judged

Pay attention at a social situation rather than evaluating myself 

If I have post-event anxiety, try not to over-analyze my performance

Reward myself for taking positive steps toward facing my fears

Alleviating Social Anxiety Disorder

Worriers overestimate threats about daily life situations, such as, “If I have a headache, could it be a brain tumor? What if my husband’s plane crashes? If I make a mistake at work, what if I get fired?” Distressing physical symptoms, such as restlessness, irritability, sleep problems, difficulty concentrating, and muscle tension occur in the context of ongoing anxiety and worry. 

Yet, worry doesn’t provide the certainty and reassurance that people seek. It reinforces negative cycles of thinking and catastrophizing, which causes more anxiety. Treatment for generalized anxiety focuses on learning to accept uncertainty and break free from worry cycles in search of reassurance. These routines can help you get started.

It’s important to recognize that you don’t need to find your way through Anxiety Disorder all on your own. There’s a whole field of mental health professionals who can help. While this routine provides many useful steps for overcoming worry and anxiety symptoms, for many people the most important step is getting into therapy or even just contacting a mental health professional.

Resources:
<li><a style="font-weight:bold" href="http://adaa.org">Anxiety and Depression Association of America</a> offers resources about anxiety disorders (and depression) and resources for finding therapists.</li><li><a style="font-weight:bold" href="http://abct.org">Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies</a> offers resources about anxiety disorders (and other problems) and resources for finding therapists.</li>

Practice one mindful exercise: calming breath, body relaxation, or meditation

Mindfully notice when I engage in worry and how it makes me feel

Write down what I value more in life than time spent worrying

Write down how I think worry helps or hurts me

With one worry, try accepting uncertainty and focus on a present activity

Alleviating Anxiety: Getting Started

Join in on the conversation with fellow members and encourage each other's wellness. Most Days has partnered with experts to create routines to help you improve your overall health. Support is a proven method for positive behavior change, so we encourage sharing your thoughts and clapping each other's progress.
 
 
Our physical well-being is linked to our emotional health, and our overall well-being. Take each day one step at a time and remember that tomorrow is a new day!

Wellness

Join in on the conversation with fellow members and encourage each other's wellness. Most Days has partnered with experts to create routines to help you improve your overall health. Support is a proven method for positive behavior change, so we encourage sharing your thoughts and clapping each other's progress.


Our physical well-being is linked to our emotional health, and our overall well-being. Take each day one step at a time and remember that tomorrow is a new day!

So much of the messaging we receive in our 21st century society tells us to disregard our own well-being in order to work more, produce more, and earn more. As a result, we feel disconnected from our emotional selves, and we feel overworked and exhausted. Knowing this, it’s important to take a holistic approach to our wellness in order to reconnect with our natural rhythms and emotional processes.

Rather than focusing on one specific problem that’s causing you distress right now, you’ll be exploring ways to more closely align your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors towards the values that are important to you in your life. Congratulations on choosing to be proactive about your health rather than waiting if a problem arises. Through this routine, you’ll learn ways to tune yourself up to feel your best, emotionally and physically.

It’s important to recognize that you don’t need to improve your well-being all on your own. Knowing when to ask for help is a skill in itself! There’s a whole field of mental health professionals who can help and who specialize in this exact issue. While this routine provides many useful steps for well-being, for many people the most important step is getting into therapy. Just contacting a mental health professional as the first step can feel good for many because they feel more in control.

Resources:
<li><a style="font-weight:bold" href="https://www.randomactsofkindness.org/kindness-ideas">Random Acts of Kindness</a> provides you with resources and ideas to cultivate and enjoy kindness</li><li><a style="font-weight:bold" href="https://www.uclahealth.org/marc/mindful-meditations">Body Scan Meditation and Loving Kindness Meditation</a>: Sit with pleasant sensations in your body and savor wanted emotions in your mind in this meditation</li><li><a style="font-weight:bold" href="https://www.volunteermatch.org/">VolunteerMatch</a>: Find an opportunity to connect with what’s important to you because leading a well-rounded life contributes to general well-being</li>

Meditate or practice mindfulness for 5+ min

Complete at least 20 minutes of exercise

Take a break during the day for 20 minutes

Go outdoors for 15+ min to get sunshine and fresh air

Call or text a trusted friend, colleague, or family member

Drink at least 5 glasses of water today

Eat meals at a scheduled time

Practice opening and closing my jaw a few times to relax my facial muscles

Stop use of screens at least 60 minutes before bedtime

Practice self-compassion and tell myself I am worth taking care of

Enhancing General Well-Being

The Elizabeth Dole Foundation is the preeminent organization empowering, supporting, and honoring our nation's 5.5 million military caregivers; the spouses, parents, family members, and friends who care for America's wounded, ill, or injured veterans. Founded by Senator Elizabeth Dole in 2012, the Foundation adopts a comprehensive approach in its advocacy, working with leaders in the public, private, nonprofit and faith communities to recognize military caregivers' service and promote their well-being.
 
 
Learn more about the Elizabeth Dole Foundation at our website: <a href="https://www.elizabethdolefoundation.org/">www.elizabethdolefoundation.org</a>

Elizabeth Dole Foundation

Damarqio Williams, aka @DetroitFather, is a husband, father, and community connector seeking to inspire and inform others to live a purpose-driven life that influences communities, people, and policies.

Damarqio's Community

In response to stressful situations, usually our first instinct is to fight against reality. We may respond to stressors with denial, anger, or avoidance. However, while these approaches may help us cope in the short term, they do not make the problem go away and rarely help us manage them in the long term. 

This routine will help you build a rich, meaningful life, while also making space for inevitable pain and stress that can come up. By accepting difficult emotions, rather than pushing them away, we will be able to take away their power to overwhelm us. This routine is for you if you’d like to learn simple tools to build your resilience, tolerate difficult emotions, and live a life more aligned with your values. 

You don’t need to find your way through maintaining wellness all on your own. While this routine provides many useful steps for managing difficult thoughts and emotions, for many people the most important step is getting into therapy or even just contacting a mental health professional. 

Resources:
<li><a style="font-weight:bold" href="http://www.goodtherapy.org">Good Therapy</a> is an online resource whose mission is to make it easier for people to access mental health services. With the right support, anyone is capable of healing, growth and change</li><li><a style="font-weight:bold" href="https://positivepsychology.com">PositivePsychology.com</a> is a science-based, online community of practitioners and resources of courses, tools and techniques to help you learn about and practice positive psychology</li><li><a style="font-weight:bold" href="https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/tips_for_keeping_a_gratitude_journal">Tips for Keeping a Gratitude Journal</a> offers suggestions for keeping a gratitude journal that can help you re-engage with positive aspects of your life</li>

Choose one simple activity and give it my full attention

Name an emotion I felt during the day and practice acknowledging it

Identify one value and write/think about why it’s important to me

Take one step toward a value of mine (i.e. for friendship, arrange a date)

Observe my thoughts by journaling or saying them aloud

If I find myself judging a situation, I replace “right/wrong” or “good/bad” with facts

Practice self compassion (talk to myself the way I would to a friend)

General Wellness: Tools to Take Care of You

So much of the messaging we receive in our 21st century society tells us to disregard our own well-being in order to work more, produce more, and earn more. As a result, we feel disconnected from our emotional selves, and we feel overworked and exhausted. The same chemicals vital to your brain’s functioning (neurotransmitters) are also produced in, and necessary for the functioning of other body systems, such as your gut. Knowing this, it’s important to take a holistic approach to our wellness in order to reconnect with our natural rhythms and emotional processes.

Start by breaking your activities down into three categories: Achievement, Connection, and Enjoyment. Try to do one activity from each category per day. This routine incorporates CBT and ACT techniques, which are evidence-based therapies that have been proven to alleviate depression, anxiety, and stress. Following this routine will provide the support you need to start making the healthy changes you know are right for you.

It’s important to recognize that you don’t need to find your way to mental wellness all on your own. There’s a whole field of mental health professionals who can help. While this routine provides many useful steps for strengthening your mind and body, for many people the most important step is getting into therapy or even just contacting a mental health professional.

Resources:
<li><a style="font-weight:bold" href="https://insighttimer.com/">Insight Timer</a>, <a style="font-weight:bold" href="https://www.calm.com/">Calm</a>, <a style="font-weight:bold" href="https://www.headspace.com/">Headspace</a> are a few apps that provide free guided meditations. Many people find it helpful to follow guided mindfulness exercises</li><li><a style="font-weight:bold" href="https://self-compassion.org/category/exercises/">Self-Compassion Guided Meditations and Exercises</a> offers guided meditations to foster self-compassion, which is essential to reducing loneliness and strengthening yourself internally</li><li><a style="font-weight:bold" href="http://www.goodtherapy.org">Good Therapy</a> is an online resource whose mission is to make it easier for people to access mental health services. With the right support, anyone is capable of healing, growth and change.</li>

Complete my morning hygiene routine (e.g. brush teeth, wash face, etc.)

Eat breakfast

Meditate for 5 min

Get cardiovascular exercise for 20+ min

Drink 5 glasses of water

Complete two things on my to-do list

Take at least one 30 min break to stretch, walk, and engage in deep breathing

Connect with a friend or loved one through call or text

Eat at least one meal without any screens

Put screens away 1 hour before bedtime

Listen to music or read for 15+ min before bedtime

Simple Steps For Improving Your General Wellness

I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist who received my Master's degree in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University.  I am currently licensed in California, specializing in the treatment of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Anxiety Disorders, Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors, Body Dysmorphic Disorder, and Eating Disorders. My clinical work focuses on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Exposure & Response Prevention, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, and mindfulness skills training for adults, adolescents, and children.

Alegra Kasten's Community

Research shows that the ability to identify, explain and regulate emotions has a host of positive effects including preventing depression and building resilience to better manage life stressors. In contrast, repressing emotions in favor of having “socially appropriate” outward appearances has shown to have a negative effect on our physical and psychological health. 

Despite the benefits of emotional health, many individuals have difficulty maintaining emotional health whether due to social stigma, gender expectations, or simply never having had the opportunity to learn about and develop emotional health. This routine covers initial, small steps to help you get started towards improving your emotional health.

It is important to recognize that you don’t need to overcome emotional difficulties on your own. If you are experiencing emotional distress, there’s a field of mental health professionals who can help. For many people the most important step is getting into therapy.

Resources:
<li><a style="font-weight:bold" href="https://www.randomactsofkindness.org/kindness-ideas">Random Acts of Kindness</a> provides you with resources and ideas to cultivate and enjoy kindness.</li><li><a style="font-weight:bold" href="https://www.uclahealth.org/marc/mindful-meditations">Body Scan Meditation and Loving Kindness Meditation</a>: Sit with pleasant sensations in your body and savor wanted emotions in your mind.</li><li>Find a licensed psychologist at the <a style="font-weight:bold" href="https://www.volunteermatch.org/">VolunteerMatch</a>: Find an opportunity to connect with what’s important to you because leading a well-rounded life contributes to well-being.</li>

Name my specific emotion(s) (i.e. irritated, content, sad)

Describe physical sensations in my body (i.e. tension, nausea, lightheadedness)

Engage in 3+ min of deep breathing or meditation

Express myself through journaling, painting, photography, etc.

First Steps to Improve Your Emotional Health

Our physical well-being is linked to our emotional health and our overall well-being. The same chemicals vital to our brain’s functioning (neurotransmitters) are both produced in and necessary for the functioning of our gut and other vital organs. Is it any wonder that when we feel depressed or anxious, we also experience physical discomfort? 

In order to reconnect with our natural rhythms and emotional processes, we must live a life according to our values. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) are evidence-based therapies that have been proven to alleviate depression, anxiety, and stress. Utilizing techniques from both CBT and ACT, this simple and straight-forward daily routine will provide a solid foundation for your health and wellness goals.

It is important to recognize that you don’t need to overcome emotional difficulties on your own. If you are experiencing emotional distress, there’s a field of mental health professionals who can help. For many people the most important step is getting into therapy.

Resources:
<li><a style="font-weight:bold" href="https://www.goodtherapy.org/">Good Therapy</a> is an online resource whose mission is to make it easier for people to access mental health services.</li><li><a style="font-weight:bold" href="http://positivepsychology.com">PositivePsychology.com</a> is a science-based, online community of practitioners and resources to help you learn about positive psychology.</li><li><a style="font-weight:bold" href="https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/tips_for_keeping_a_gratitude_journal">Tips for Keeping a Gratitude Journal</a> offers suggestions for keeping a gratitude journal to help you re-engage with positive aspects of your life.</li>

Practice diaphragmatic breathing or meditate in the morning

Take time to identify how I am feeling - journal if possible

Move my body for 30+ min

Take 3+ breaks during the day to stretch and drink water

First Steps to Improving Overall Well-Being

Explore this community to find routines created by experts to help manage OCD. Support is a proven method for positive behavior change, so we encourage sharing your thoughts and clapping each other's progress.
 
 
Obsessions are intrusive, unwanted, and distressing. Compulsions are behaviors or mental acts used to reduce the distress that they cause. Take each day one step at a time and remember that tomorrow is a new day!

Explore this community to find routines created by experts to help manage OCD. Support is a proven method for positive behavior change, so we encourage sharing your thoughts and clapping each other's progress.


Obsessions are intrusive, unwanted, and distressing. Compulsions are behaviors or mental acts used to reduce the distress that they cause. Take each day one step at a time and remember that tomorrow is a new day!

Changing your response to obsessions is an ongoing process with challenges but great rewards. If you’re currently in treatment, you’re facing the hard work of learning to accept and cope with uncertainty rather than engage in compulsions. You may even be learning to approach uncertainty with curiosity. If you’ve completed treatment, you may be in a support group or meeting with a therapist for sessions to maintain your progress. It can feel disheartening when new or old obsessions pop up and you need to continue practicing response prevention and accepting uncertainty. 

Integrating this routine into your life can greatly enhance your practice. Clarifying and reviewing what you value more in life rather than searching for reassurance can make a big difference. Practicing self-compassion can support you through the ups and downs. This routine will help you create healthy self-care habits during your journey to overcoming OCD.

It’s important to recognize that you don’t need to find your way through OCD all on your own. There’s a whole field of mental health professionals who can help. While this routine provides many useful steps for overcoming OCD and maintaining your progress, for many people it’s important to be in therapy and work with a mental health professional.

Resources:
<li><a style="font-weight:bold" href="http://Iocdf.org">International OCD Foundation</a> offers information and resources about OCD, including resources for finding support groups and therapists specializing in treating OCD </li><li><a style="font-weight:bold" href="http://adaa.org">Anxiety and Depression Association of America</a> offers information and resources about OCD (and anxiety and depression), and provides resources for finding therapists</li><li><a style="font-weight:bold" href="http://theocdstories.com">theocdstories.com</a> are podcasts by Stuart Ralph interviewing OCD specialists and people who share their own stories about having OCD and what helped them improve</li>

Did not stay in bed focusing on obsessions or engaging in compulsions

Review my daily intentions and goals for overcoming OCD

Engage in a self-care activity (i.e. listen to music, journal, exercise, cook)

Read, listen, or watch videos about OCD and treatment 

Mindfully notice when I have obsessions or urges to engage in compulsions

Mindfully notice any forms of avoidance, checking, or reassurance-seeking

Write or review what I value more in my life than engaging in compulsions

Engage in an activity I value even if it means facing an obsession

If I have an obsession, try to accept uncertainty and not use compulsions

If it feels too hard to resist compulsions, I delay, change, or minimize time spent on them

Reward myself for taking positive steps in my OCD recovery and maintenance

Alleviating Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Advanced Steps and Beyond

Obsessions are intrusive thoughts, images, or urges that persist even though you don’t want them. They can be terrifying and trigger your body’s fight-or-flight response. Compulsions are physical behaviors or mental acts used to gain relief by seeking certainty or reassurance. Compulsions may provide temporary relief, but you never feel reassured enough, which perpetuates an ongoing and vicious cycle. 

While obsessions may feel like a “life or death” emergency, the core problem is NOT about their content. Rather, it’s about how your brain reacts to the uncertainty and discomfort they trigger. This routine involves changing your response to obsessions by learning to tolerate uncertainty and discomfort rather than relying on compulsions. This is called exposure and response prevention (ERP), the gold standard for treatment of OCD.

It’s important to recognize that you don’t need to find your way through OCD all on your own. There’s a whole field of mental health professionals who can help. While this routine provides many useful steps for overcoming OCD, for many people the most important step is getting into therapy or even just contacting a mental health professional.

Resources:
<li><a style="font-weight:bold" href="http://Iocdf.org">International OCD Foundation</a> offers information and resources about OCD, including resources for finding support groups and therapists specializing in treating OCD </li><li><a style="font-weight:bold" href="http://adaa.org">Anxiety and Depression Association of America</a> offers information and resources about OCD (and anxiety and depression), and provides resources for finding therapists</li><li><a style="font-weight:bold" href="http://theocdstories.com">theocdstories.com</a> are podcasts by Stuart Ralph interviewing OCD specialists and people who share their own stories about having OCD and what helped them improve</li>

Did not stay in bed thinking about obsessions or engaging in compulsions

Learn one thing about OCD and treatment

Mindfully notice when I have obsessions or engage in compulsions

Write down obsessions I notice and how I responded to them

Write what I value more in my life than engaging in compulsions

Do an activity I value even if it means facing an obsession

Remind myself to accept uncertainty and not use compulsions

If I cannot resist compulsions, I delay, change, or minimize time spent on them

Reward myself for changing my responses to obsessions/compulsions

Alleviating Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Getting Started

Obsessions are intrusive thoughts, images, or urges that persist even though you don?t want them. Compulsions are physical behaviors or mental acts used to gain relief by seeking certainty, reassurance or that ?just right? feeling. Compulsions may provide temporary relief, but you never feel reassured enough, which perpetuates an ongoing cycle. 

While obsessions may feel like a ?life or death? emergency, the core problem is NOT about their content. Treatment involves changing your response to obsessions by learning to tolerate and even welcome uncertainty rather than using compulsions or overthinking in efforts to gain certainty and reassurance. With practice, you learn that you can handle uncertainty and break the OCD cycle. This is called exposure and response prevention (ERP), the gold standard for treatment of OCD. 

It?s important to recognize that you don?t need to find your way through OCD on your own. There?s a field of mental health professionals who can help. While this routine provides steps to overcome OCD, for many people the most important step is getting into therapy.

Resources:
<li><a style="font-weight:bold" href="http://Iocdf.org">International OCD Foundation</a> offers resources for finding support groups and therapists specializing in treating OCD.</li><li><a style="font-weight:bold" href="http://adaa.org">Anxiety and Depression Association of America</a> offers resources about OCD (and anxiety and depression) and resources for finding therapists.</li><li><a style="font-weight:bold" href="http://theocdstories.com">theocdstories.com</a> include podcasts by Stuart Ralph interviewing OCD specialists and people who tell their stories about having OCD.</li>

Learn one thing about OCD and treatment (readings, podcasts, videos)

Write down obsessions and urges to engage in compulsions

Write down what I value more than engaging in behavioral or mental compulsions

With one obsession, try accepting uncertainty rather than using a compulsion

Reward myself for taking one step today towards increasing mindfulness with OCD

Alleviating Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD): First steps

Join in on the conversation with fellow members to share tips on how to maintain better sleep habits. Most Days has partnered with experts to create routines to help you improve your sleep hygiene. Support is a proven method for positive behavior change, so we encourage sharing your thoughts and clapping each other's progress.
 
 
Sleep can boost our immune system, prevent weight gain, and improve our cognitive functioning. Take each day one step at a time and remember that tomorrow is a new day!

Sleep

Join in on the conversation with fellow members to share tips on how to maintain better sleep habits. Most Days has partnered with experts to create routines to help you improve your sleep hygiene. Support is a proven method for positive behavior change, so we encourage sharing your thoughts and clapping each other's progress.


Sleep can boost our immune system, prevent weight gain, and improve our cognitive functioning. Take each day one step at a time and remember that tomorrow is a new day!