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7 simple Stoic actions that help me get out of a low mood
1. Check in with right now
I might be feeling worried or down right now,
but that’s the result of judgements I’m making in my head.
Outside my head, those judgements don’t exist.
I can appreciate I’m here and that if my basic needs are met then everything else is a bonus.
I might be feeling worried or down right now,
but that’s the result of judgements I’m making in my head.
Outside my head, those judgements don’t exist.
I can appreciate I’m here and that if my basic needs are met then everything else is a bonus.
"Be happy for this moment,
this moment is your life."
- Marcus Aurelius
this moment is your life."
- Marcus Aurelius
2. Connect with nature
Faced with a natural landscape, I have a sense that me and my concerns are very small, and the world is very big
– and that sensation can shrink the ego down to a manageable size.
Looking at real clouds can help to get rid of mental ones.
Faced with a natural landscape, I have a sense that me and my concerns are very small, and the world is very big
– and that sensation can shrink the ego down to a manageable size.
Looking at real clouds can help to get rid of mental ones.
"We must go for walks out of doors,
so that the mind can be strengthened and invigorated by a clear sky and plenty of fresh air."
- Seneca The Younger
so that the mind can be strengthened and invigorated by a clear sky and plenty of fresh air."
- Seneca The Younger
3. Get active
Going for a walk is one way to feel refreshed, but going for a run is even more invigorating.
For me, completing a tough workout then settling down after a shower is rejuvenating.
If running isn’t for you, anything that works up a sweat is a good alternative.
Going for a walk is one way to feel refreshed, but going for a run is even more invigorating.
For me, completing a tough workout then settling down after a shower is rejuvenating.
If running isn’t for you, anything that works up a sweat is a good alternative.
"Indulge the body just so far as suffices for good health.
It needs to be treated somewhat strictly to prevent it from being disobedient to the spirit."
- Seneca The Younger
It needs to be treated somewhat strictly to prevent it from being disobedient to the spirit."
- Seneca The Younger
4. Talk
We sometimes take for granted having people in our lives who want the best for us.
Just talking to friends or family can be a timely reminder of the support you have.
Usually the more open I can be in conversations like this, the greater the benefit.
We sometimes take for granted having people in our lives who want the best for us.
Just talking to friends or family can be a timely reminder of the support you have.
Usually the more open I can be in conversations like this, the greater the benefit.
"Nature bore us related to one another… She instilled in us a mutual love… Let us hold everything in common; we stem from a common source.
Our fellowship is very similar to an arch of stones, which would fall apart, if they did not support each other."
- Seneca The Younger
Our fellowship is very similar to an arch of stones, which would fall apart, if they did not support each other."
- Seneca The Younger
5. Complete mindless tasks
When I'm down I don’t feel creative, I don’t do my best work.
This is the time to do things that need little thinking; clean the house, empty the garbage, etc.
Even when motivation is low, there’s a sense of achievement that something has been done.
When I'm down I don’t feel creative, I don’t do my best work.
This is the time to do things that need little thinking; clean the house, empty the garbage, etc.
Even when motivation is low, there’s a sense of achievement that something has been done.
"At every moment keep a sturdy mind on the task at hand, as a Roman and human being, doing it with strict and simple dignity, affection, freedom, and justice—giving yourself a break from all other considerations."
- Marcus Aurelius
- Marcus Aurelius
6. Do mental exercises
Stoicism-inspired cognitive distancing exercises are a great way to regain perspective.
Most involve seeing worries and problems for what they are – stories we have created in our own minds.
This collection of exercises provides plenty of options.
Stoicism-inspired cognitive distancing exercises are a great way to regain perspective.
Most involve seeing worries and problems for what they are – stories we have created in our own minds.
This collection of exercises provides plenty of options.
"Very little is needed to make a happy life;
it is all within yourself in your way of thinking."
- Marcus Aurelius
it is all within yourself in your way of thinking."
- Marcus Aurelius
7. Remember
Remember, it’s a state of mind.
A temporary one.
This too shall pass.
Remember, it’s a state of mind.
A temporary one.
This too shall pass.
"If you are distressed by anything external, the pain is not due to the thing itself, but to your estimate of it;
and this you have the power to revoke at any moment."
- Marcus Aurelius
and this you have the power to revoke at any moment."
- Marcus Aurelius
