From the outside it looks like people are running in circles. If only they step a little to the right, they can get out of their destructive cycle. But it’s not that easy, is it?
Addiction and Depression are two of the hardest situations to get out of. Each person has their own reason and concerns to stay in the cycle. Until those problems are solved and their needs are met, they can’t get out.
Imagine they’re running on a hamster wheel. You’re telling them to get out, but they know they’ll trip because their shoe laces are untied. They won’t have enough energy to step far enough that they can get out without major damage.
The Rat Study: What You Need To Know
In 2010, Bruce K. Alexander et al observed the addictive behavior of rats in solitary confinement versus a rat park. The park had all the rats could ever want: a place to exercise, other rats, plenty of food and water, woodchips, places to hide and nap, and more. In both places the researchers placed drug laced water for the rats to drink if they wanted. The results? Rats in the park had a lower likelihood of seeking the addictive water.
Decreasing Our Depression Or Addiction
There are a couple of things we learn from this study that are easy forgotten in real life. Here are those steps.
1. Talk, Touch, Joke with Friends. Most of the time our bad behaviors come out when we think no one is looking. Focusing on conversation is a great way to distract yourself. Don’t take yourself too seriously. Keep topics happy.
2. Venture Outside. When you’re outside, you’re finding new things that take your mind away from you and into the adventure. Take a walk. Go to the beach. Once you’re there find an activity to do.
3. Meet New People. Whether it’s a Meetup group or talking to a stranger, there’s something strengthens you when you find people you like. It also helps when people don’t know your history. You can start fresh and be who you want to be.
4. Play Sports. Find a new adult sport to play. Sports lets you sleep better at night, gives your mind a boost, and helps your body feel great. Blood filters to all the right places in the brain and we see things clearer. Plus, the more you’re moving, the less you think about your problems.
5. Introverts, Get a Pet. If meeting people is hard, find another species of warm bodies. Pet therapy is a legitimate thing.
6. Get a Full Night’s Sleep. The more rested you are, the less cornered you’ll feel when problems arise. You body builds up resistance to the little things that knock you off your feet when you’re rested on a regular basis.
7. Get Away From Clutter. If your think space is clutter, it’s hard to meditate. Most people get worried about cleaning or scared to let someone see the mess. Crack a window, you need that fresh air.
8. Get Off That Diet and Love Your Body. Seriously.
The Ronda Rousey Mentality
In the UFC champion’s new book My Fight/Your Fight, Ronda talks about the power of mentality. We can be on vacation and be absolutely miserable or be at work completely satisfied. If we find the thorn up our butts and pull it out so we can be happy wherever we go. The steps above are simple but we’ve never wanted to do them, depressed/addicted or no. It takes some commitment. Take it slowly. After you go through these steps, you will be happier and more optimistic.