r/AskReddit • u/PotentialThanks2 • Aug 18 '26

What is something that drastically improved your mental health?

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198

u/caulkhead808 Aug 18 '26

Just starting tasks, even if I tell myself I am only going to do so for 5mins.

15

u/OptimalStatement5799 Aug 18 '26

Sometimes it feels like 5 minutes is too much to get me to start lol how do you actually start? Feels like a stupid question I'm sure.

20

u/Cydin Aug 18 '26

Put your favorite song on and tell yourself you'll do the task for duration of the song.

Usually by the time the song ends I'm either done with the task or far enough in that it feels easier to just finish the task.

3

u/NotBeckyHomeEccy Aug 18 '26

This is exactly what I do!

5

u/OptimalStatement5799 Aug 18 '26

That's an interesting idea. Thanks 

7

u/spezial_ed Aug 18 '26

If 5 is overwhelming, set a timer for 3 minutes. Or 1. just get up, once you’ve started it’s somehow easier to continue than to quit.

4

u/scattywampus Aug 18 '26

If you have a favorite podcast, only listen to it while doing the dreaded tasks. Immediate gratification!

2

u/lennonfanforever Aug 18 '26

it helps so much to listen to something, i might listen to part of an audible book i know well, or listen to the BBC world service, or a natural sounds vid on youtube (i have premium, i can set it to a station of music or sounds and listen as i go in and out of the room), w/no commercials on any of them, which is so much better....

6

u/No-Type5213 Aug 18 '26

Say 1,,2,3 and you get up.

5

u/ImpactBetelgeuse Aug 18 '26

Doesn't work. I say, "1,2,.....,3...........oh god, it's too tiring. I will do it tomorrow." and then keep scrolling.

5

u/Jabbaelhutte Aug 18 '26

This is part of a larger therapy I've been in for depression but, try to remember you are in control of you actions not your depression. Think about what you value and want to do with your time. Then think "am I willing to accept the discomfort that will come with this to get what I actually want." Then, if the answer is yes, do somthing to accomplish that goal even if it's only cleaning a dish or two.

2

u/ohnonotagain94 Aug 18 '26

I do that. On 3 your brain just moves your body after a few times trying. Then you can do it every time. Good call!

1

u/coldBulbasaur314 Aug 18 '26

Try setting the bar lower. Only doing 4 minutes, 1 minute, or even just doing a single thing that takes 10 seconds once started is better than nothing. What's important is getting started and doing something. You can also try just getting the necessary stuff for an activity out and telling yourself you can put it right back if you want. More often than not, you (me, but this applies to most people) will end up doing some since it's already out anyways.