By Natalie Patrick
Today, I want to share with you five reasons why blogging helps depression. It’s so important that you find a coping outlet that will help heal you in times of depression. If you’re passionate about writing, then blogging could be your calling! Maybe you express your feelings better through writing, if so, this is the perfect opportunity to do that. Here’s why!
Once you find your niche you can help others
Blogging is the best platform for expressing yourself. You get to share your life, knowledge, and experiences with like-minded people. If you’re depressed, you probably have a million thoughts racing in your mind, so why not let them out? By writing about our emotions and experiences, we give ourselves the strength to release our worries and sadness.
You can write about anything you want! Write about your passions or hobbies. Whatever makes you feel happy. There are so many types of blogs out there- personal, lifestyle, financial, photography, cooking, the list goes on! Choose a niche that suits your interests and knowledge. You could even start a mental wellness blog that teaches others about the ups and downs of living with a mental illness.
Once you’ve figured out what your niche will be, you’ll need to start the fun part – creating your blog! Check out this tutorial from Making Sense of Cents. Michelle will easily guide you step-by-step on how to start your first blog. I created my blog with success thanks to her post!
Five reasons why blogging helps depression
If that hasn’t inspired you enough to start your own blog, then please read these five reasons why blogging helps depression.
1. Productivity
When you’re battling depression, you may not be as productive as you’d like to be. By starting a blog, you’re motivating yourself to take action. Even though blogging doesn’t incite a whole lot of physical activity, it will exercise your mind, which is a good thing!
You’re making your brain work hard to focus on your writing, photography, and creativity. And all that time you spend on blogging, will be less time drowning in your fears, sadness, and worries. Blogging will help you want to set goals again, and you’ll find it so easy to achieve them! That feeling of success will be the perfect ingredient to your happiness. You may even find yourself sleeping better at nights.
Just remember, it’s okay to take a break. Starting a blog can be overwhelming at times, especially if you’re a perfectionist like me. Don’t beat yourself up for taking time off to breathe and relax. Blogging is meant to be fun and inspiring!
2. Connecting
Many times we isolate ourselves from the world when we are depressed. It may be difficult to reach out to a family member or friend when we need someone to talk to. Sometimes it seems as if no one is listening at all. Blogging is the best way to keep you socialized without the stress of face-to-face commitment or the fear of being ignored.
When you establish followers, it proves that people are truly listening to you, and maybe they know what you’re going through. Blogging will teach you that you are not alone in this world. You will connect with so many people, and you’ll make new friends on this journey. All the positive feedback and comments you’ll receive will be a guaranteed way to lift your spirits. And, hey, you can never have too many friends!
3. Freedom
There is so much freedom in the world of blogging! You can blog anytime and anywhere you want to. Whether you’re a morning go-getter or a late night owl, you can blog whenever you want. Blog at home, on lunch breaks, outside in a hammock, or any place of your choice.
Blog about any topic your heart desires. Point is, you are your own boss! You have complete power over your blog. All of this freedom is a big confidence booster. You’re also gaining back your independence. Slowly but surely, you’ll find it easier to manage your depression. With all the positives that blogging has to offer, I’m confident that you can overcome this!
4. Creativity
Blogging allows you to be creative in numerous ways. Whether it be the writing itself, designing your blog layout, or even the small details, like choosing a font, you’ll never grow bored with what you can create. Adding photography to your blog posts will give you the chance to get in tune with your creative side, as well.
If you’re into drawing or painting, add those to your blog posts for a more artistic approach. Do you enjoy making crafts? Then turn them into blog posts. Blogging is perfect for teaching others how to do just about anything. Your imagination will be storming with great ideas, and if your mind is focused on all the positives, there will be no room for negativity.
5. Earning a living
Did you know that you can actually make money from your blog? It’s true! You can make money from affiliate marketing, display advertising, blog sponsorships, and so much more. There are bloggers out there who have quit their jobs to blog full-time and travel around the world. Can you imagine? Money may not cure your depression, but I bet it would make you feel a lot better!
I highly recommend checking out this post on how to make money with a blog. Michelle, creator of the Making Sense of Cents blog, is really inspiring on this subject matter. She earns over $50,000 a month on her blog. If that doesn’t get you excited, I don’t know what will!
YOU’VE GOT THIS!
I hope you enjoyed reading my favorite five reasons why blogging helps depression, and hopefully you can find the motivation to start your own blog. You won’t regret it! Blogging has helped me in so many ways, and I’m excited about the future. I just wish I had started years ago. If you have any questions about starting your own blog, send me a comment below. I’m happy to help!
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