So, yesterday we were talking about all this "Pollyanna" type stuff (I mean... crap, but let's be nice!) and how there is actually scientific research now to back up the fact that it really does improve the chemical reaction in the brain. The feedback has been incredible—posts, Facebook messages, emails, Google alerts... I forgot how many social media things I was hooked into!
Everyone is essentially saying the same thing: "Yeah, that’s all well and good, but what specifically should we try?"
Well, in my humble opinion, the best place to start is an inventory of your own happiness. I’m reminded of a line from the VeggieTales movie The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything. A gourd is faced with being eaten by cheese doodles and, reflecting on his life, admits it wasn't great, but there was that "one day in 1976 between the hours of..." you get the point! Even if you have struggled with anxiety and depression your whole life, there have been moments—short flashes—where you experienced joy. What were you doing then?
The Trap of the "Catch-22"
For me, my most joyful events have always been steeped in family life. But for those of us with anxiety, that can be a catch-22. It reinforces the fear of "what if I lose them?" To move forward, I had to inventory what brought me happiness outside of that fear. I’ve always loved being creative, but for years, I had a major hang-up. Every tool I picked up and every piece of paper reminded me of a loss. The embellishments I used for my dad's funeral, the pictures from my son's baptism... they were all harsh reminders of what I had lost.
Step by step, I cleared through it all. I separated the memories from the stuff so that I could return to the things that brought me happiness. I still get misty sometimes, I won’t lie, but being able to spend some time every day creating something makes all the difference to my level of anxiety and depression.
2026 Expansion: Creating Your Wellness Toolbox
Looking back at this post from 2026, I can see that this was the foundational moment for the Tactile Rebellion. It’s where I realized that we don't just "get better"—we build a toolbox. If you’re ready to kick-start your own positive activity list, here is the original Wellness Toolbox I began developing back then:
Your Initial Wellness Toolbox
- Spend time in nature: Even five minutes outside your window can reset your nervous system.
- List what you like about yourself: No matter how small, write it down.
- Read a good book: (I’ve got some recommendations for you!)
- Watch a funny movie or TV show: An occupational therapist once told me her patients need 30 minutes of comedy every day. That’s therapy I can get behind!
- Take care of a few small tasks: Cross one tiny thing off your list for an instant win.
- Write in your journal: Get the "what-ifs" out of your head and onto the paper.
I know I’m not going to be out anywhere (you know how it is!), so I’m usually right here if you need to chat. Of course, my therapist's advice about "20 minutes of vigorous exercise daily" still falls on deaf ears over here—sign me up for the sleepy time instead! But the comedy and the crafting? That is where the healing happens.
What is one "tool" in your box that never fails to give you a quick mood boost? Share it in the comments below.
Help Guide: For more ideas on positive activities, check out our growing archive of wellness reviews and unboxings.
No comments:
Post a Comment