The new routine is put together to have better sleep hygiene. For someone grappling with depression, the hours past midnight offer a sense of liberation, a time when the world sleeps, and you’re marching through the night on your own. Yet, this freedom comes at a cost, as the late hours often become a playground for overthinking and aimless scrolling.
Staying awake late hours into the night inevitably leads to late morning risings. In my case, for the past two weeks, I’ve been waking up around 2-3 pm, until yesterday night when I decided to enact a change.
At the stroke of midnight, I found myself nestled in bed, with a resolute commitment to rise by 9 am. As I lay there, I envisioned my morning routine: a brisk trip to the washroom, followed by a refreshing shower, and a hearty breakfast. Then, I would venture outside for a rejuvenating walk. Today, I executed this plan meticulously, showcasing the power of determination and the ability to follow through with what you set your mind onto.
My New Routine – Morning walk
I headed out for a walk around 11 am today. Walking along the hilly road was a scenic and tranquil experience. As I stepped outside, I was greeted by the crisp, cool air and the landscape was transformed into a vibrant tapestry of warm, fiery hues as the leaves of the trees displayed their rich fall colors. I am not sure if I am doing justice in explaining what I experienced so sharing a picture below.
which rustle underfoot, adding a delightful crunch to each step.
Along the way, I encountered other walkers, joggers, or dog-walkers, all taking advantage of the pleasant weather and the opportunity to soak in the beauty of nature during this magical season.
I was walking alongside the Rahway River which flows through various residential areas in the town. The river is a significant natural feature that plays an essential role in the local ecosystem. I took my time to stop by the river and practice box breathing.
Update on my daily goals, the morning walk really helped!
The rest of the day was business as usual i.e. not doing much and pondering over questions like will I be able to combat my complex mental health this time? I made it a point to document the day just before sleeping. I am all set to sleep earlier tonight as well, in these small changes I can manifest a larger impact on my life. Toodles!
Read more about the ongoing struggle: https://reasonstolivefor.com/crippling-depression-day-35/
Your walk looks amazing, and I hope you have been able to keep up with your daily walks. I am actually unfamiliar with box breathing (a new term for me) and will look it up. Thank you for sharing your walk and realizations that you encountered along the way. I truly believe in the mental and physical benefits of spending more time outdoors.