What to do in the morning?

[Bimbo Bear]

I'm finally climbing out of the depths of my anhedonia. After fighting for some months now, I'm finding interest in at least a few things, but now I need peer support on how to spend the best chunk of my day.

I wake up every morning bright eyed and bushy-tailed at around 6AM (automatically) or 7AM if I'm really sleeping in, and when I wake up, I usually check my phone for any important e-mails that might have popped up. After that, I do a small stretch and get out of bed, remembering to make it up again as I do so. From there, I just wait until an appropriate time (like 8AM) to go downstairs and eat my breakfast (if I eat too early, I'll get hungry earlier). While I wait, I usually just get dressed and buzz around my phone. Anyways, after I eat breakfast, I then go o the washroom to wash my face or bathe and brush my teeth. Then I brush my hair to make sure that I look presentable. And that's how I get ready for my day!

But here's the problem: In the mornings, I have nothing else I have to do. School doesn't start until noon for me (I'm in college), so for some hours, I'm just on my own and it gets frustrating. I feel like I should be doing something with my mornings, but there's nothing I can think of doing after my morning routine. Any ideas on how I can burn time?

[Blahblah]

1 hour ago, Bimbo Bear said:

I'm finally climbing out of the depths of my anhedonia. After fighting for some months now, I'm finding interest in at least a few things, but now I need peer support on how to spend the best chunk of my day.

But here's the problem: In the mornings, I have nothing else I have to do. School doesn't start until noon for me (I'm in college), so for some hours, I'm just on my own and it gets frustrating. I feel like I should be doing something with my mornings, but there's nothing I can think of doing after my morning routine. Any ideas on how I can burn time?

If I felt better with more motivation & way less anhedonia I would:

- Start a regular a Mindfulness or visualization-type practice in the morning while practicing CBT skills. Make a Vision Board of what you want to achieve with lots of images and spend 15 minutes every morning trying to imagine/create in yourself how you feel when you are thriving. How would you feel if you were self-actualized, your best self, moving towards what you want in life. Over time, I've heard that this can help positively influence your life trajectory, career, etc. You must take advantage of this practice when you are beginning to feel good and have motivation, positivity building up.

- Start some sort of Blog/journal, not on here, but like a Wordpress page.

- Make some Pinterest boards...Find DIY craft projects to do.

- Scan YouTube for funny videos to compile for a later time when I'm feeling down.

- Watch some inspirational TED talks.

- Read a book, listen to music, dance around the house, make new playlists.

I probably have more ideas, but this is what came up for me so far. Hope it helps.

Edited May 11, 2017 by Blahblah

[aura]

Can you get some schoolwork or reading done? Or perhaps make to-do lists? Take on tasks you've been avoiding?

[melissaw72]

10 hours ago, Blahblah said:

- Scan YouTube for funny videos to compile for a later time when I'm feeling down.

I agree with you tube ... I could watch it for hours watching funny and interesting things.  Sometimes a good documentary about something ... some of them are over an hour long.

 

[dtac]

I tend to try to get chores done so I'm not doing them later in the day or at night. I like using my night time to start winding down and relaxing, so the more I can get done earlier, the better I feel about slacking off and relaxing.

Depending on what your weather looks like, sometimes it's nice to get some vitamin D time... sitting outside catching some sun, enjoying the weather, working on keeping your mind calm. I find this really good to keep me level and refreshed.

[HAL9000]

The Sun is our friend.  And its still cool enough that the bugs are not a problem.   So good idea!  I'm off to get non sad light provided rays of wonderfulness.

[mcjimjam]

Maybe exercise or meditation? Swim some laps at a pool, go to gym, do some yoga/Pilates, mindfulness/meditation. Those activities make you feel good in body and mind for the rest of the day.

 

[ByePolarCoordinates]

On 5/13/2017 at 2:14 AM, mcjimjam said:

Maybe exercise or meditation? Swim some laps at a pool, go to gym, do some yoga/Pilates, mindfulness/meditation. Those activities make you feel good in body and mind for the rest of the day.

I like this suggestion, especially since certain services like mind/body yoga/pilates/mediation courses are heavily subsidized or free for students. If it's a great deal, I would consider taking advantage of it and "scheduling" a class a couple of mornings a week to give you something structured to do. Another idea would be to do a volunteer activity certain mornings. I volunteered at an animal shelter very close to campus when I was in college and it was a great use of time and made me feel like I was helping the community and making a positive impact in the animals' lives. Also - look up MeetUp groups in your area or on campus. I imagine there could be some special interest groups that fit your personal interests that you might be able to participate in. Another favorite of mine is a simple change of scenery. Often hanging out at home can make me feel like a bum whether or not that label is warranted. Going to the library, the quad, or a coffee shop to work on anything can be helpful even if its something leisure-focused.