Post 211: The antidote to depression

It's sunny outside, but I'm not sure if I feel the same way. Lately, more often than not I'm feeling down.  I mean maybe I shouldn't feel that way because technically I'm off for summer vacation from my other job. I do have a part time one teaching a college class. Which is cool except I haven't done zoom in four years.  I tell everyone it's a learning curve, and on the bright side I did figure out how to turn on my camera on my computer (F10) (I watched a video online) Thanks to the content creator. So, hopefully, things will improve. 

I also feel very, very tired. I don't know if it's the new medication I am taking for a health issue or not, or just the change in routine. Hopefully, my body will adapt. If not, I guess I'll just have to suck it up.

Back to depression. At this very moment, I don't feel so bad. But if dwell. I suppose when we dwell, it makes us unwell. But more important, is what we focus on.

Things I would like to improve on

1) Relationships. Sometimes, I see people in relationships and get angry and jealous. and let's not forget sad. I know what it's like to be in a relationship. The good and the bad. I miss those days. I wonder what will it take for me to meet someone who has the traits I seek?

2) Health

3) Finances

I've read that the antidote to depression is action. Yesterday, after spending most of my day inside because of the poor weather I went for a short walk, and spent time sitting on a bench.  I read somewhere that amongst some hunter-gatherer tribes in Africa they experience no depression.  It's been speculated that this is the case because they:

a) A lot of time in the sun

b) are very physically active

c) Get a lot of sleep

d) spent a great deal of time with each other. (Family and friends)

I just returned from walking with my mother and brother at the park. I have to say it made a difference. Three out of four of the above. I also went to a local historical site called Cedarmere and watched the water from the porch while drinking a latte. Pretty relaxing too, and a good distraction. I know that distraction isn't problem-solving, but it can make us feel good in the short term/

The Japanese talk about forest bathing. How spending time in nature lowers our stress levels. I would argue it doesn't hurt to boost our mood, too. Food for thought.