How to Reconnect
Before I left for Costa Rica 2 weeks ago, I was starting to get a little worried.
I felt disconnected from everything.My friends. My boyfriend. My clients.I started to worry because disconnection is one of the warning signs for depression. Recognizing that, I knew exactly what to do to nip it in the bud.These tried and true methods of reconnecting helped me this time and in the past. Hopefully they can help you, too!
My Tried & True Steps To Reconnect
Open Up
The first step I took was to start talking to people about the way I was feeling. My friends and loved ones assured me that they understood how I was feeling and were there to listen when I needed them.They offered the support I needed in a time when I felt like I lacked control. Sometimes, just that support can be enough to help pull you out.I also called up my therapist and made an appointment. Talking to her helped me gain perspective on the situation.I am one of the biggest proponents of therapy out there for a reason: therapy was one of the most vital factors of my recovery from my lowest point. Talking to an educated professional that has gone through almost a decade of school just to learn how to help you is extremely beneficial.
Get Creative
The only thing I felt I could connect to was this blog. Through writing, I felt I could finally connect to my passion, my emotions, and my actual aliveness.
Find something you're passionate about–even if you don't feel very passionate at the moment–and do it. Starting off, it may feel like you're just going through the motions, but more often than not, that spark will flare up again and catch up with you.If you're drawing a blank on how to get creative, here are some ideas:
•drawing•painting•writing•running•singing•dancing•knitting•collage-ing•scrap booking
By taking part in any of these activities (as long as you're enjoying it) you are opening yourself up by expressing your emotions. I don't care if I sound like a middle school art teacher right now. Sometimes you just need a catalyst to start feeling again.
Take Your Time
In Costa Rica, I had the luxury of not having to be anywhere besides my daily surf lesson. Even that I could have skipped if I wanted to.I found myself taking a lot of siestas, reading, and just watching the sun set. This time to myself allowed me to rediscover how I was feeling, good or bad.Take time to be alone. Listen to yourself.It's so easy to get caught up in the whirlwind that is life and get carried away in nonessential thoughts and worries. Ground yourself in the moment.Here's how:
•Take a moment by yourself and just sit.
•Close your eyes.
•Take a few deep breaths.
•Just feel what you're feeling without trying to change it.
Noticing your present emotions will automatically bring you into the moment, whether they're good or bad. If they're bad, at least now you have the presence to deal with them. If they're good, go celebrate! You're connected now so you can actually enjoy these feelings!*****Now that I'm back, I feel much more connected to those around me and the work that I do, but I know that this disconnection may crop up again with no warning.Having these tools in your tool belt will provide you with an easy, worry-free method to reconnect to your daily life., and can keep you from spiraling further downwards at which point it's more difficult to pull yourself back up.Catch it early and reconnect to yourself as fast as possible.After all, what's the point of life if you don't feel it?photo 1 taken by Kirsten Kuiken, photo 2 (of Kirsten and me) and 4 by yours truly, photo 3 by Rafa Sandoval