If you plan something, you can look forward to it, which may be simple for some people, but is a flipping nightmare for me. Part of my anxiety problems include catastrophizing any situation: Going for a walk? Obviously I'll get hit by a car and die. Got a headache? It's a brain tumor that will kill me. Haven't heard from someone in a while? They hate me or they're dead. See a pattern? (Hint: It's death.) Participating in daily activities becomes a crazy whirlwind of Bad Thoughts, and it's easier to, you know, just not leave the house. Ever.
What's my point? It's healthier for me to follow through on something than to stay home. No matter how good it feels for me to wrap myself up in a little cave, I need to be dragged out into the real world. So in the spirit of self-encouragement, here are some cool things I've done lately:
- AJ and I saw Carrie Fisher's one woman show at the Berkeley Rep. She is an amazing woman. Awesome and funny and touching. Thanks to my brother for the tickets. Coolest Christmas present ever!
- We went on a cruise to the Mexican Riviera. This was huge in terms of me feeling like a normal person on a normal vacation. We had a blast and I was on a post-vacation high for several days afterwards. I'm coming back down now, but we've got some great memories.
- I beta-tested some games for Gamezebo. OK, so this doesn't involve getting outside or interacting with other people, but I love puzzles and games. I also don't get paid for it - it's more like a customer satisfaction survey then a true beta test, but it's fun!
6 comments:
lGreat beginnings, Katrina
And yes, planning for pleasure, I've read that also. Its an inspiration for me too. I think I'll go buy some ice cream and rent a chick flick today.
I totally agree with the 'planning for pleasure'. That helped me a lot when I was getting over depression. Having a reason to get up everyday was a big help, even if it was just organizing my bookshelf or walking to the bakery. Going to bed feeling like I accomplished something helped a lot too :) even if they were small accomplishments.
I'm glad it helps you too!
I love your site, Kate. And I always love doing planned pleasurable activities with you. I can't wait for our drive in the country.
UR Welcome. Glad it turned into a planned pleasurable activity. Or Planpleact, as I like to call them.
I often like to plan for pleasure too. I set a little place at the table for it...fold the lace napkin just so, turn the butter knife towards the plate..but sometimes pleasure doesn't arrive. I am often stood up.
I have a friend who suffers bad bouts of depression. One thing he does is take a scary theme park ride. It's planned but not exactly pleasurable - he hates every minute of it, except the buzz he gets when it's all over, which can last for days.
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