Setting Realistic Goals During Recovery from Depression

When you’re on the road to recovery from depression, you might feel like you’re trying to climb Mount Everest while wearing flip-flops.

It’s tough! One moment you’re contemplating conquering your day, and the next, your bed suddenly looks like the most appealing vacation destination in the world.

So how do we set goals that are actually achievable without feeling like we’ve signed up for a marathon when we can barely walk to the fridge? Let’s dive into this topic with all the grace of a giraffe on roller skates.

Understanding Your Current Situation

First things first: it’s important to acknowledge where you are right now. Imagine you’re standing at the bottom of a really tall staircase.

You wouldn’t just leap to the top; you’d take it one step at a time—unless you’re an overachiever who has also watched too many superhero movies.

By taking stock of your current situation, including how you’re feeling and what you can realistically handle, you’ll have a clearer picture of what goals make sense.

Now, let’s be real—some days getting out of bed feels like climbing that metaphorical mountain I mentioned earlier.

On those days, even brushing your teeth can feel monumental. Recognizing that some days will be better than others is key.

It’s okay if today means just putting on pants (bonus points if they match!). All things considered, understanding your current capabilities will help shape more realistic goals.

Start Small: Baby Steps Over Giant Leaps

By the way, I think starting small is one of the best strategies ever invented—right up there with pizza delivery and chocolate chip cookies!

When setting goals during recovery, think about what tiny steps you can take rather than giant leaps into an abyss of despair (or worse—the gym).

For instance, instead of aiming to run a 5K next week (which sounds great but may lead to immediate regret), why not set a goal to take a five-minute walk outside?

That sounds doable! Five minutes is less time than it takes me to find my keys half the time! Little by little, these small victories add up and can build momentum toward larger accomplishments down the line.

Interestingly enough, celebrating these mini-goals is crucial. Did you manage to leave your house today? High-five yourself! Successfully made it through breakfast without crying into your cereal? Throw in some jazz hands for good measure!

Be Specific: Vague Goals Are Like Unreadable Maps

Let’s see… vague goals are basically useless maps that only lead you around in circles until you realize you’ve somehow ended up at Aunt Edna’s house again (and no one wants that). Instead of saying “I want to get better,” try being specific about what “better” looks like for you.

For example: “I want to read one chapter of my favorite book this week.” Now that’s something tangible!

When crafting specific goals, consider using SMART criteria—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound—which sounds fancy but really just means making sure your goals don’t resemble wishful thinking written on a napkin after three cups of coffee.

And remember: if reading one chapter feels overwhelming because it’s been ages since you’ve opened anything other than social media apps—start with just reading one page!

The idea here is progress over perfection because nobody needs more pressure when recovering from depression.

Flexibility Is Key: Adjusting Goals as Needed

Speaking of which… let’s talk flexibility! Life happens; sometimes our best-laid plans go awry faster than I can say “What happened?”

Maybe unexpected events pop up or maybe today was particularly rough—you know those days when even Netflix seems too ambitious? That’s perfectly okay!

Being flexible with your goals allows room for adjustment based on how you’re feeling each day or week. If walking five minutes turns into sitting quietly with tea instead because that feels more manageable today—go for it!

Remember: recovery isn’t linear; it twists and turns more than my attempts at yoga class (which usually end in laughter).

On the other hand—and this part’s important—it doesn’t mean abandoning all hope when things get tough either! It simply means recognizing where you’re at and adjusting accordingly so that every step counts—even if it’s sideways once in a while.

Seeking Support: You Don’t Have to Go It Alone

Finally—and honestly—the journey towards recovery doesn’t need solitude as its companion.

Whether it’s friends who’ll cheerfully listen while eating ice cream together or professionals trained specifically for support during mental health struggles—finding people who understand can make all difference!

So don’t hesitate to reach out for help when setting realistic goals during recovery from depression.

Friends may provide encouragement or accountability partners who remind us we’re not alone amidst life’s chaos.

Interestingly enough… sharing our aspirations with others often makes them feel less daunting too!

So, whether it involves texting someone about wanting go outside today or joining an online group focusing on mental wellness—it helps knowing others have similar experiences navigating their own journeys.

Suggested External Resources:

Mental Health America
https://www.mhanational.org/

National Alliance on Mental Illness
https://www.nami.org/

Psychology Today – Goal Setting
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/goal-setting

The Mighty – Tips for Setting Goals
https://themighty.com/topic/depression/setting-goals-depression