5 Tips For Coping With Creative Depression

Trust me, this will be shortest article you read all day.

Being a writer myself, I know how listicles elicit immediate eye-rolling from everyone as an overdone, died-off form of headline reader clickbait, but stick with me here. As a photographer the last 14 years, I've battled all sorts of creative ruts, depression, self-sabotage, doubts, toxic relationships, and changing careers. Point being; I've been there and know how it feels being told 'Follow these steps and be cured!'

We all know it's not that easy, but these things helped me and hopefully can help you. And as we all know, every little bit helps.

1. Routine Productivity: One thing I learned in my early 20's, has helped me tremendously: make your bed. Every morning by properly making your bed, you start off your day by crushing one productive task. Good job, now keep going.
2. Exercise: We all know the clear benefits to working out, but I've always found that getting a workout in got me out of the house and gave me the energy to tackle multiple errands and tasks I'd otherwise put off.
3. Crying: May seem silly, but you have to let it out. A good hard, Claire Danes cry face session helps you face the emotion and pain, but then wipe off your face and get back to work.
4. Filler Jobs: Slow winters (along with seasonal depression) always made me seek part-time filler jobs NOT creative in nature; working at gyms, being a production assistant, etc. They help get me out of the house, feeling productive, and establishing a routine.
5. Practicing Daily Gratitude: When you're in a depressive state, it's really easy to lose sight of all the good things in your life. Even if you feel like you've got nothing remember, you're alive and that's something to celebrate.

Originally posted here.