Saturday, April 25, 2020

How to of the Day

How to of the Day


How to Force Bloom on Aloe Vera

Posted: 25 Apr 2020 05:00 PM PDT

The beautiful yellow or orange flowers of the aloe vera plant typically bloom in the springtime. For your plant to bloom, it has to be healthy and at least 4 years old, so be patient if your plant is younger. You can increase the likelihood that your mature aloe vera plant will bloom by giving it more light, feeding it properly, and by removing the baby bulbs.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Giving Your Plant More Light

  1. Relocate your indoor aloe vera plant throughout the day to follow the sun. Different areas of your home may experience changes in light as the sun moves. Keep note of the sunniest spots and move your aloe vera plant accordingly to give it at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day.[1]
    Force Bloom on Aloe Vera Step 1.jpg
    • For instance, place it on your kitchen windowsill so it gets 3 or 4 hours of morning light. Then, move it to a table in your dining or living room for 3 or 4 more hours of midday and afternoon sunshine.
    • Do this every day during the winter and spring months to increase the chances that your aloe vera plant will bloom. The aloe plant will not bloom in any season other than spring, so don't try to force it to bloom during the summer, fall, or winter.
  2. Keep your indoor plant in a place that's 55°F to 80°F (13°C to 27°C). Sudden temperature changes can cause the leaves to turn brown. Keep the plant in an environment with a stable temperature between 55°F and 80°F (13°C and 27°C). Placing the plant in direct sunlight in a room that's already relatively warm could be too much heat for the plant, so be mindful and check the leaves for signs of burning.[2]
    Force Bloom on Aloe Vera Step 2.jpg
    • Don't put the plant in a place where its leaves are touching a window. The excess heat or cold coming from the window could burn the leaves and cause browning.
    • If you see any brown sunspots appear on the leaves, move the plant to a cooler room and only give it indirect sunlight for 4 to 5 days until the sunspots go away.
    • Avoid placing the plant next to a heater, A/C unit, fan, television, or any other source of heat or drafts.
  3. Move your aloe vera plant outside if it's 70°F to 85°F (21°C to 29°C). The easiest way to make your aloe vera plant bloom is to give it more direct sunlight. The ideal temperature for aloe vera plants to bloom is 70°F to 85°F (21°C to 29°C), so if you live in an area with a mild climate, move your plant outside.[3]
    Force Bloom on Aloe Vera Step 3.jpg
    • If it gets colder than 60°F at night where you live, you'll need to bring your plant inside.
    • Choose a spot that gets at least 8 hours of direct sunlight.
  4. Use an indoor UV lamp on cloudy days if you can. An indoor grow lamp is the perfect solution to make up for cloudy days. Choose a white fluorescent or a red or blue LED grow lamp and position it next to your aloe vera plant. Adjust the head so the light shines directly on the leaves from above. The distance from the bulb to the leaves depends on the size of your plant.[4]
    Force Bloom on Aloe Vera Step 4.jpg
    • For example, if your plant is to wide, position the bulb to away from the top of the plant.
    • A white fluorescent LED lamp will give you a soft, white light that will complement any room, but a red or blue LED lamp might be better able to give your plant the right kind of photosynthetic light it needs.
    • If you notice the leaves start to turn brown after using a grow lamp, decrease the power of the lamp if you can or, decrease the amount of time you use the lamp.
    • If you have 2 plants that are each across, place them side by side and adjust the bulb so it's away from the tops of the plants.
  5. Water the plant once a week when the top of soil is dry. Wait until the top to of soil is dry before watering the plant. It's important to let it dry out a little between waterings because too much moisture can cause root rot, bruises on the leaves, and attract diseases. If you're not sure, stick your finger into the top of soil to feel for moisture.[5]
    Force Bloom on Aloe Vera Step 5.jpg
    • Exposing the plant to more light will make it dry out faster, so stick to a regular schedule so your plant doesn't get too dry if you forget to do it on the 7th day.
    • If the soil is slightly damp near the tip of your finger, don't water it for another 1 or 2 days. If it's sopping wet, leave it alone for 1 week.
    • Slowly pour water onto the soil until you notice water draining from the pot's drainage hole.
    • If you've placed your aloe vera plant outside, bring it inside or cover it when it rains so it doesn't take in too much water.

[Edit]Fertilizing Your Aloe Vera Plant

  1. Choose a fertilizer that says either "8-8-8" or "10-10-10" on the label. Use a granular fertilizer intended for foliage plants. Houseplant fertilizers that specify they're for flowering plants typically have high amounts of salt and phosphorus, which can dry out the roots of your aloe vera plant.[6]
    Force Bloom on Aloe Vera Step 6.jpg
    • The 3 numbers on plant fertilizers correspond to the ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
    • Worm castings, manure, or compost are great alternatives to store-bought fertilizer.
  2. Dilute 1/2 of the recommended amount of granular fertilizer in water. A fertilizer that's too concentrated with nutrients can easily overwhelm your aloe vera plant, so it's important to use only 1/2 the recommended amount on the package. Use the same amount of water suggested on the package so the fertilizer is half as strong.[7]
    Force Bloom on Aloe Vera Step 7.jpg
    • For instance, if the directions on the package say to mix 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 g) of fertilizer with , use 1/4 teaspoon (1 to 1.3 g) instead.
  3. Fertilize your aloe vera plant when the top of soil is dry. Stick your finger into the soil to feel if it's dry. If it is, pour enough of the solution onto the soil until you see water draining from the base of the pot.[8]
    Force Bloom on Aloe Vera Step 8.jpg
    • If the soil is damp, wait 1 or 2 days before testing the soil again.
    • Do this once a month in the early spring and midsummer (e.g., March, April, June, and July).

[Edit]Propagating the Pups

  1. Identify the babies, or pups, of the aloe vera plant. The pups grow alongside the main plant and typically form as a result of the main root system running out of room in the pot. They look like miniature aloe vera plants that are only to tall.[9]
    Force Bloom on Aloe Vera Step 9.jpg
    • Removing the pups will allow the mother plant to focus its energy on growing flowers.
    • Don't toss the pups because they can be transferred into smaller containers—that means more aloe plants for you!
    • If you see some pups that are just starting to sprout, you can remove those too. Just know that these premature pups may not survive being put in a new pot.
  2. Remove the entire plant from the pot. Run a dull knife or garden shovel around the edge of the pot (just like loosening a cake from a cake pan) to make it easier to remove the plant. Tilt the pot slightly to the side and grasp the base (or the sturdiest part) of the plant with your hand. Wiggle it out of the pot and place it upright onto a work surface.[10]
    Force Bloom on Aloe Vera Step 10.jpg
    • The idea is the pull the plant out of the pot intact.
    • If you plan to replace it into the same pot, dump out the old potting soil. You can reuse it, but using fresh potting mix will give the plant more nutrients.
  3. Wedge a hand shovel between the pup and the main plant to separate them. Insert a hand shovel or dull knife into the space between the pup and the mother plant. The pup's root systems don't go down as far, so only insert your tool about down into the soil. Wiggle the tool around to loosen the soil between the pup and the mother before pulling the pup away from the mother plant.[11]
    Force Bloom on Aloe Vera Step 11.jpg
    • Be careful not to drive the tool into the center of any of the root systems.
    • If you meet resistance, wiggle a knife into the soil between the pup and the mother to loosen the pup's root system.
    • Repeat this process for each pup that is growing around the mother plant.
  4. Place the mother plant and pups in a cool, dry place for 24 hours. Leave the plant and the pups on a work table or garden bench out of direct sunlight for at least 1 day. This will help heal the plants' wounds before they're re-potted.[12]
    Force Bloom on Aloe Vera Step 12.jpg
    • It's okay to leave them laying out for up to 6 days if you can't re-pot them after the first 24 hours.
    • After the first 24 hours, you might notice the cut parts on the roots have dried up into calluses. (This is a good thing.)
  5. Fill a large pot 1/3 of the way with potting mix and replace the plant. Pour a layer of potting soil at the base of the large planter (about 1/3 of the way up). Place the mother plant back into the pot and add more soil, leaving of room at the top. Use potting soil specifically made for succulents to ensure the soil stays aerated. Pat down the top of the soil to hold the plant in place.[13]
    Force Bloom on Aloe Vera Step 13.jpg
    • The ideal succulent potting mix has ingredients like perlite, lava rock, and coarse sand.
    • Don't reuse the old soil in the pot. It won't harm the mother plant, but it's not as good as using fresh potting soil if you want your mother plant to bloom.
  6. Wait 3 days before you water the mother plant. Repotting can be hard on a plant, so give it some time to adjust to the new soil before you water it. After 3 days, water it as you normally would, pouring enough water onto the soil until you see it draining out of the pot.[14]
    Force Bloom on Aloe Vera Step 14.jpg
    • While it's not necessary, keeping the plant out of direct sunlight for the first 3 days may help it adjust faster.
  7. Fill several small pots (1 for each pup) 3/4 full with potting soil. Each pup needs its own container to develop strong root systems. Fill each small container 3/4 of the way full with the same succulent-specific potting mix that you used for the mother plant.[15]
    Force Bloom on Aloe Vera Step 15.jpg
    • If you have too many pups and not enough pots, feel free to plant 3 or 4 pups together in a larger pot. Make sure each pup has at least to of space around it. Note that you'll eventually have to transfer them into their own larger pots if you want them to keep growing.
  8. Place each pup into their separate containers and add soil to cover the roots. Place each pup on top of the potting mix and add more soil until the root system is covered. Pat down the soil around the pup to hold it in place. Water each pup and then let them dry out for 3 weeks.[16]
    Force Bloom on Aloe Vera Step 16.jpg
    • Waiting 3 weeks to water the pups will force their new roots to grow in search of water.
    • After the initial 3 weeks, water them once a week and follow basic care instructions so they can grow up to be mature, flowering aloe vera plants just like their mother!

[Edit]Tips

  • Keep a close eye on your aloe vera plant if you leave it in the sun. If you live in a hot, dry climate, too much sun can cause the leaves to turn brown.

[Edit]Warnings

  • Keep a close eye on your aloe vera plant if you leave it in the sun. If you live in a hot, dry climate, too much sun can cause the leaves to turn brown.
  • Don't fertilizer that has a high concentration of nitrogen because it can cause leaf and root problems.

[Edit]References

How to Hem a Dress by Hand

Posted: 25 Apr 2020 09:00 AM PDT

If you've never hemmed a dress before, you might feel intimidated and unsure about where to start. It's actually pretty simple and you don't need a lot of sewing skills to do this well. In fact, you can complete this project in half an hour or less with just a needle and thread, using a blind stitch. When you turn your dress right side out, the stitches won't be visible at all.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Marking the Hemline

  1. Try on the dress to determine where you want the hem to be. Don't wear heels or shoes that will tilt you forward so the hemline is uneven. Instead, stand up stand with your feet flat on the floor so you can see where the dress falls. If you want to make the dress shorter, determine how much fabric you'd like to remove.[1]

    Hem a Dress by Hand Step 1.jpg
    • You can try on the shoes that you plan to wear with the dress in order to get an idea of where you want the hemline. However, take them off when you begin to mark the hemline or it may be slanted.
  2. Turn the dress inside out and use fabric chalk to mark the hemline. Take off the dress and turn it inside out before laying it flat on your work surface. Lay a ruler or measuring tape on the dress and make marks every along the hemline. Then, lay a ruler across the marks to line them up and draw along the hemline.[2]

    • If you're struggling to mark an even hemline, put the dress back on while it's inside out and ask a friend to mark the line for you.
  3. Draw another line below the hemline. Use the chalk to make a parallel line below the hemline so you know where to actually cut the fabric. Once you've cut the fabric along this line, you'll fold it up so your hemline falls where you want.[3]

    • If you forget to mark a lower cutting line, your finished hemline will be higher since you'll fold and sew the bottom edge of the fabric.
  4. Cut the excess fabric from the bottom of the dress if you're shortening the dress. Once you know how much fabric to remove, use scissors to carefully cut along the lower line you marked. Discard the excess fabric or save the scraps for another sewing project.[4]

    • Skip this step if you're hemming the unfinished edge from a dress that you've already measured and cut.

[Edit]Hand-Stitching the Hem

  1. Fold the edge of the fabric over and tuck the raw edge under. Take the raw edge of the fabric and bring it up so the bottom of the fabric lines up with the hemline that you marked. Then, fold the top of the folded fabric under to hide the raw edge.[5]

    • Although you don't have to tuck the raw edge under, your hemline will look more professional if the raw edge isn't visible.
  2. Pin the new hemline in place with sewing pins. To prevent the folded edge from coming undone, stick a sewing pin through the folded fabric. Ensure that you insert the pins vertically so they secure the folds. Position the sewing pins about every so the fabric doesn't slide around.[6]

  3. Thread a sewing needle. Cut a length of thread that's about long and thread it through the eye of a sewing needle. Then, make a knot at the tail.[7]

    Hem a Dress by Hand Step 7.jpg
    • It's important to choose thread that perfectly matches the dress. This way, it won't be noticeable if someone sees the dress's inner hemline.
  4. Insert the needle into the fabric at the seam. Keep the dress turned inside out so you're only sewing through the wrong side of the fabric. Find the vertical seam where the dress pieces are sewn together. Then, push your needle through a few of the fabric's surface loops so you're not inserting it from the bottom of the fabric. Pull the thread until you reach the knot at the end of the tail.[8]

    • If you're working with thick fabric, insert the needle again and bring it through the thread's loop before pulling the thread tightly. This secures an extra knot.
  5. Push the needle through a stitch directly above the folded hem. Don't push the needle through the fabric or the stitch will be visible on the right side of the dress. Instead, slide your needle through a single loop on the surface of the fabric so you don't poke a hole onto the right side of the dress. Then, pull your needle to draw the thread through the stitch.[9]

    • It might feel like you're not really sewing through the fabric, but as long as you pick up a single stitch, your hemline will hold.
  6. Pick up a stitch on the folded fabric below the hemline. Insert the tip of the needle into a single stitch below the fold. Ensure that you're sewing on the folded fabric instead of above it. Then, pull the thread so it secures the fold in place.[10]

    • Pull gently so you don't make the hemline pucker.
  7. Work the blind hem stitch from right to left across the entire hemline. Move your needle about to the right and insert it into a stitch on the fabric above the fold. Remember not to push through the fabric to the right side of the dress. Then, make another tiny stitch below it on the folded fabric. Repeat the blind hem stitch around the entire hem until you reach the seam where you started.[11]

    • If you're left-handed, it's probably easier to sew from left to right.
  8. Trim the thread tail and turn the hemmed dress right side out. Once you reach the seam where you started hemming the dress, insert the needle and pull until you make a loop. Bring the needle through the loop to knot the thread. Do this 1 more time before trimming off the excess thread and turning the dress right side out.[12]

    Hem a Dress by Hand Step 12.jpg

[Edit]Tips

  • If you're hemming a dress made with silk, chiffon, or lace, sew a rolled hem instead.
  • Because denim is such a heavy fabric, hem a denim skirt or dress using a machine.

[Edit]Things You'll Need

  • Fabric chalk
  • Measuring tape or ruler
  • Needle
  • Thread
  • Scissors
  • Straight pins

[Edit]References

How to Deal with Work Related Depression

Posted: 25 Apr 2020 01:00 AM PDT

Work-related depression likely makes it hard for you to get through your day. While depression can make you feel like you're alone, it's actually a pretty common experience. In the modern workforce, work-related depression is a growing concern as workers try to handle demanding schedules and feelings of uncertainty. Fortunately, you have options for dealing with your depression so you can have a happier work life.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Finding Fulfillment in Your Work

  1. Look for value in your job while you look for something better. Changing jobs can be really difficult, so you might feel stuck at your current job. Assigning value and purpose to your job may help you feel more positive about it. Think of all the ways your job benefits your life, such as providing you money to pay for a home, food, and other items. Additionally, brainstorm the ways your job allows you to help others, contribute to society, or fulfill an interest of yours.[1]
    Deal with Work Related Depression Step 1 Version 2.jpg
    • For example, let's say you work in retail. You might focus on helping others find the items they need. Additionally, you might volunteer for tasks that make you feel good about yourself, like using your creativity to design a display.
    • Similarly, let's say you're a teacher who's overwhelmed. You might remind yourself that you're helping shape young people's lives and focus on the relationships you're building with your students.
  2. Focus on tasks and situations in your workplace that you can control. Oftentimes, work-related depression occurs when you feel like you have no control at work. You might be upset because your schedule is inflexible, your voice isn't being heard, or your tasks feel overwhelming. Instead of thinking about what you can't control, use the power that you do have. Take ownership of tasks you can do independently and incorporate bits of your personality into your job.[2]
    Deal with Work Related Depression Step 2 Version 2.jpg
    • For instance, you might use your own pens and notepads so they can be personalized. Similarly, you might ask your boss if you can decide in which order you complete tasks.
  3. Talk to your supervisor about changes you can make to your job. You may need support for your supervisor to overcome your work-related depression, especially if you're unhappy in your job. Meet with your supervisor to talk about adjusting your workload, moving to a different position, changing your workspace, or taking a few days off.[3]
    Deal with Work Related Depression Step 3 Version 2.jpg
    • You might say, "Lately I've been really struggling because I'm feeling depressed. I want to keep working here, so I'm hoping you can help me make some changes to my workload that are beneficial to both the business and my mental health."
  4. Update your resume so you can look for another job. If your job is making you depressed, it may be time to move on to a different career. You need a current resume to help you find the right career for you. Create an updated resume that reflects your current education and job skills so you can start applying for new jobs.[4]
    Deal with Work Related Depression Step 4 Version 2.jpg
    • If you're applying for different types of jobs, you might create more than 1 resume so you can highlight job-specific skills.
  5. Set aside time each week to send out job applications. You may have to apply for a lot of jobs before you find one that's a good fit for you. Schedule time into your week to search for jobs and apply for the ones that look good for you. Provide a resume, cover letter, and any other information that's requested.[5]
    Deal with Work Related Depression Step 5 Version 2.jpg
    • For instance, you might apply for jobs from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. every Saturday morning.
    • You may be able to reuse the same cover letter for similar jobs. However, proofread it carefully to make sure you've changed any important details, like the job title or name of the company.
  6. Take time off if you have any available. It's important to take breaks from work, especially if it's making you depressed. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health, so don't be afraid to take the time you need. Use any vacation or sick time that you've accumulated, or ask for a few days of unpaid leave if you can afford it. Use this time to rest and do things that make you happy.[6]
    Deal with Work Related Depression Step 6 Version 2.jpg
    • Take a mental health day! For instance, ask for a Friday or Monday off if you have weekends off so you can have a special 3-day weekend. If you work weekends, ask if you can have your days off together during the week.
    • If possible, you might take a relaxing vacation. If you can't afford to stay somewhere, see if a friend or family member will let you stay with them for a few days.

[Edit]Staying Strong Throughout the Workday

  1. Smile when interacting with others even though you feel down. If your job is making you depressed, you probably hate being there, which can show in your facial expression. Do your best to force a smile when you're talking to customers or coworkers. Try to think of something positive to help you smile, like your pet or a happy memory.[7]
    Deal with Work Related Depression Step 7 Version 2.jpg
    • You might also fantasize about the day you won't have to deal with customers anymore. Anything to get you through the day!
  2. Don't complain about your job at work. It's okay to vent about what you don't like to your friends or family. However, keep your thoughts to yourself when you're in the workplace so you won't accidentally damage your reputation. When it comes time for you to move on to another job, you can do so on your own terms and are more likely to get a positive reference.[8]
    Deal with Work Related Depression Step 8 Version 2.jpg
    • For instance, you might be tempted to complain to a coworker about how your boss handles rude customers. However, it's best to talk to a friend instead so your boss doesn't find out.
  3. Be mindful at work so you don't get overwhelmed. You probably have a lot to deal with at work, like deadlines, upcoming projects, and client demands. It's easy to get preoccupied with the future and all that you need to accomplish, which can trigger depression. Instead, be mindful by focusing your thoughts on what's happening in the moment. Just try to get through one day at a time so you don't feel overwhelmed.[9]
    Deal with Work Related Depression Step 9 Version 2.jpg
    • When you make a to-do list, identify the things you can actually get done today and give yourself permission to think about the other things at a later time. Stressing about upcoming work and beating yourself up about things is not going to help you be more productive.
  4. Prioritize your work tasks to help you avoid falling behind. You probably have tasks that are essential to get completed and others that can wait. Identify which tasks you need to do pronto and what you can put off if necessary. Work on your high priority tasks first so you don't feel like you're falling behind at work.[10]
    Deal with Work Related Depression Step 10 Version 2.jpg
    • If you work in an office, you might prioritize responding to emails, taking care of client needs, and sending reports to your boss. You might spend less time scheduling meetings with coworkers, filing documents, and planning for new projects.
    • Similarly, at a retail job you might prioritize helping customers, tending to your register, and keeping the shelves tidy.

[Edit]Improving Your Time at Work

  1. Add cheerful or personalized decorations to your workspace. Decorating your work area can help you feel more at home and might lift your spirits. Pick items that inspire happiness, offer encouragement, or make you feel more comfortable. You might incorporate 1 or more of the following:[11]
    Deal with Work Related Depression Step 11 Version 2.jpg
    • A potted plant
    • A photo of your loved ones
    • Inspirational quotes
    • A coffee mug or water bottle that makes you happy
    • Brightly-colored pens
  2. Spend time around coworkers so you don't feel alone. Feeling isolated and lonely at work is a common trigger for workplace depression, so being around others can help. Set up your workstation so you can see other people around you. When possible, enjoy your breaks and lunches with a coworker or friend. Reminding yourself that you aren't alone may help you feel better in time.[12]
    Deal with Work Related Depression Step 12 Version 2.jpg
    • For instance, you might face your desk toward the center of the room instead of a wall. Similarly, you might pair up with a coworker to zone aisles at a department store.
    • Depression can make you want to withdraw from others, but doing so can make you feel worse. Try to talk to someone else even if it's just for 5 minutes at a time.
  3. Take breaks so you can get your mind off of work. A 10-15 minute break gives you time to clear your mind, focus on something else, and start again fresh. Similarly, lunch breaks allow you to recharge and have fun in the middle of the workday. Schedule at least 2 breaks into your day so you have time for yourself. Spend this time chatting with someone, going for a walk, reading an article, doodling, or enjoying a treat.[13]
    Deal with Work Related Depression Step 13 Version 2.jpg
    • Don't talk about work or stressful topics during your breaks. Treat that time as "me time."
    • Ideally, take a short mid-morning break, a lunch, and a brief mid-afternoon break.

[Edit]Building a Support System

  1. Give yourself support by using positive self-talk. When you're dealing with depression, you may have a constant stream of negative, judgmental thoughts in your head. Confronting these thoughts with positive self-talk can help you feel better. Talk to yourself like you would speak to a friend who's dealing with workplace stress and depression. Accept your struggles and encourage yourself to keep going.[14]
    Deal with Work Related Depression Step 14 Version 2.jpg
    • Spend 5 minutes a day reminding yourself of your strengths and accomplishments.
    • If you catch yourself thinking, "I'm so behind today! I'll never get caught up," replace it with something like, "I can only do my best. Everyone has productive and nonproductive days, so I'm just going to keep working and trust that I'll catch up."
  2. Talk to your family and friends about how you feel. Your loved ones can provide you the support you need while you cope with your work-related depression. Tell them what you're going through and how it's affecting your life. Ask them to be there for you and help you when you need it.[15]
    Deal with Work Related Depression Step 15 Version 2.jpg
    • You might say, "Work is overwhelming me right now, and I'm not sure if I can handle it. I'm feeling really depressed. Can I call you when I need to talk?"
    • If you need help taking care of your responsibilities, you might say, "Right now work is taking everything out of me. Do you think you could handle the laundry this week?"
  3. Reach out to a mentor, coworker, or supervisor who can advise you. You likely have an ally at work who can help you during this difficult time. Talk to someone you trust about your struggles and ask them for advice. Listen to what they have to say and see if it might work for you.[16]
    Deal with Work Related Depression Step 16 Version 2.jpg
    • You could say, "Right now I feel empty. What part of your job makes you feel fulfilled?"
  4. Take advantage of employee assistance programs if they're available. Many employers offer employee assistance programs that include mental health support. Talk to human resources or your supervisor to learn if these are available to you. If so, enroll in a program so you can get the help you need.[17]
    Deal with Work Related Depression Step 17 Version 2.jpg
    • You might be able to get free or inexpensive counseling sessions. Additionally, you may be able to get training or support.
  5. Work with a therapist to help you learn new coping strategies. You may not be able to overcome your depression on your own, and that's okay. A therapist can help you change your thoughts and behaviors so you can deal with your symptoms. Additionally, they can help you learn how to change your self-talk. Ask your doctor to refer you to a therapist or look for one online.[18]
    Deal with Work Related Depression Step 18 Version 2.jpg
    • Your therapy appointments may be covered by insurance, so check your benefits.

[Edit]Creating a Work-Life Balance

  1. Practice self-care to help you get through this difficult time. Feeling depressed can make it super hard to take care of your needs. However, it's extremely important that you take good care of yourself so you can start feeling better. Eat healthy meals, take daily baths, follow an exercise plan, sleep 7-9 hours a night, and do something every day that makes you feel good.[19]
    Deal with Work Related Depression Step 19 Version 2.jpg
    • Self-care is about more than just treating yourself to something nice. It includes eating well, caring for your body, and taking care of your responsibilities.
  2. Schedule time every day to do something you enjoy. You don't need a large block of time to have fun. Even 15-30 minutes can be enough time on a busy workday to do something you enjoy. Give yourself time to have fun every day so you don't feel like work is controlling your life. Here are some ideas: [20]
    Deal with Work Related Depression Step 20.jpg
    • Go to a local park. You might even go with a friend, your partner, your kids, or your dog.
    • Watch an episode of your favorite show.
    • Take a bath.
    • Read a chapter of a book.
    • Work on an art piece or craft project.
    • Play a computer or board game.
    • Try a new restaurant for lunch or dinner.
  3. Exercise for 30 minutes a day to boost your mood. Since exercise releases endorphins, it helps you feel happier, even when you're dealing with depression. Additionally, it relieves stress, which can help you feel less overwhelmed with work. Choose an exercise that you enjoy so it's easier to stick with it every day.[21]
    Deal with Work Related Depression Step 21.jpg
    • As an example, go for a brisk walk, swim laps, run, join a recreational sports team, take a dance class, or attend a gym class.
  4. Engage in relaxing activities to help relieve your stress. Although stress is a normal part of life, too much stress can be harmful. Identify coping strategies that help relieve your stress. Then, incorporate them into your daily schedule to help you manage your work stress. Here are some ways you might relax:[22]
    Deal with Work Related Depression Step 22.jpg
    • Meditate for 15-30 minutes.
    • Color in an adult coloring book.
    • Do breathing exercises.
    • Spend time in nature.
    • Talk to a friend.
    • Write in a journal.
  5. Sleep at least 7-9 hours a day so you're better rested. You may be more likely to fall into a depression if you're sleep-deprived, though depression may also make you sleep more. Give yourself enough time to get at least 7 hours of sleep so you're more likely to be rested. Additionally, follow a bedtime routine to help you relax and fall asleep.[23]
    Deal with Work Related Depression Step 24.jpg
    • For instance, you might go to bed at 10:00 p.m. every night and wake up at 6:00 a.m. every morning.
    • Your bedtime routine might consist of showering, putting on pajamas, and reading a chapter of a book.
  6. Schedule electronic detox time into every day. You might feel like you're always tethered to your work because you get emails, calls, or texts at all hours of the day. You may feel like you have to answer these messages right away in order to keep your job, but it's still important to set boundaries. Decide which hours of the day are off-limits for you. Silence your phone and don't answer emails during this time.[24]
    Deal with Work Related Depression Step 23.jpg
    • On workdays, you might put your phone on silent and avoid checking your email after 8:00 p.m.
    • On the weekends, you might designate times to deal with emails and texts that are related to work, if necessary. For instance, you may address work tasks from 10:00 a.m. to noon only.

[Edit]Tips

  • While your career is important, you need to prioritize your own needs. Give yourself permission to take care of yourself and make changes to help yourself feel better.[25]

[Edit]Warnings

  • While work can cause depression, it's also a serious mental health condition. You may need to undergo treatment with a mental health professional and could need medication to help you overcome your symptoms. Talk to your doctor to make sure you don't need additional treatment.[26]

[Edit]References

  1. https://www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/burnout-prevention-and-recovery.htm
  2. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/burnout/art-20046642
  3. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/burnout/art-20046642
  4. https://www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-living/finding-the-right-career.htm
  5. https://www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-living/finding-the-right-career.htm
  6. https://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/February-2018/What-To-Do-if-Your-Workplace-is-Anxiety-Inducing
  7. https://www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-living/finding-the-right-career.htm
  8. https://www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/burnout-prevention-and-recovery.htm
  9. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/burnout/art-20046642
  10. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/burnout/art-20046642
  11. https://psychcentral.com/blog/7-office-depression-busters-tips-for-work-depression/
  12. https://www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/stress-in-the-workplace.htm
  13. https://www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/burnout-prevention-and-recovery.htm
  14. https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/publications/how-manage-and-reduce-stress
  15. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/burnout/art-20046642
  16. https://www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/stress-in-the-workplace.htm
  17. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/burnout/art-20046642
  18. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml#part_145399
  19. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/urban-survival/201605/10-strategies-fight-job-burnout
  20. https://psychcentral.com/blog/7-office-depression-busters-tips-for-work-depression/
  21. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/burnout/art-20046642
  22. https://www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/burnout-prevention-and-recovery.htm
  23. https://www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/burnout-prevention-and-recovery.htm
  24. https://www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/burnout-prevention-and-recovery.htm
  25. https://www.cdc.gov/workplacehealthpromotion/tools-resources/workplace-health/mental-health/index.html
  26. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/symptoms-causes/syc-20356007

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