Graphic by Olivia Hess
Around this time last year, I was in an emotional rut. The sun rarely made any appearances. I was allowing my position as a resident assistant to pummel me to a pulp, and I had my first experience with temporary depression.
I had gathered myself into a cocoon of overthinking, limited light and a plethora of blankets before I finally admitted to myself and my family that I was in an unhealthy position.
With their help, I subsequently cut out coffee, woke up with the sun, started taking daily walks while listening to “Boundaries” by Henry Cloud and John Townsend, got back into reading my Bible and took a deep dive into the wonderful collection of Oswald Chambers’ work, “My Utmost for His Highest.”
The short version: I got moving and took initiative out of necessity, and the effects of this decision were long-lasting. In Medical News Today, Robby Berman summarized a study conducted by Ben Singh and his research team.
“We found (that) doing 150 minutes each week of various types of physical activity — such as brisk walking, lifting weights and yoga — significantly reduces depression, anxiety and psychological distress, compared to usual care, such as medications,” Singh said.
Initially, 150 minutes a week may sound like a significant amount of exercise. However, when divided out weekly, it is approximately 21 minutes a day, which, when put into perspective, is manageable. It is the mental energy needed to begin this healthy habit that often forms the greatest barrier.
In his devotional, “The Initiative Against Depression,” Chambers wrote about this seemingly small yet surprisingly necessary concept of mundane, everyday rhythms.
“When the Spirit of God comes, he does not give us visions; he tells us to do the most ordinary things conceivable. Depression is apt to turn us away from the ordinary commonplace things of God’s creation.”
In 1 Kings 19, after walking a whole day in the desert to escape Jezebel (a woman who wanted him dead), Elijah the prophet prayed that God would end his life. He said, “It is enough; now, O lord, take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers.” And he slept.
An angel of the Lord woke him, gave him food, and Elijah, strengthened by his meal, traveled 40 days and 40 nights to Mount Horeb.
This meaningful passage has become a humorous yet poignant meme on social media. On Joy Marie Clarkson’s X, she said, “Never underestimate the power of a nap and a snack.”
Relatable.
Like Anna from Disney’s “Frozen II,” it is important that we pick ourselves up in the face of depressing circumstances, take advantage of the resources that God has offered us and do “the next right thing.”
That might look like taking a quick run or a long walk. What it doesn’t look like, however, is swaddling oneself, like I did, and hoping (subconsciously, even) to be magically made better through simple desire and bemoaning one’s situation. Productivity and healthy responses involve action and consistent practices in conjunction with and geared toward the truth and love of our heavenly Father. Love moves, and we are called to move for love.
“The inspiration which comes to us in this way is an initiative against depression; we have to do the next thing and do it in the inspiration of God. … Immediately we arise and obey, we enter on a higher plane of life,” Chambers wrote.
So, if you find yourself in a situation like mine from a year ago, seek to mirror Elijah of the Old Testament and (in all seriousness) Anna of “Frozen II.” Eat, take a nap and take the next right step, for nothing good comes of stagnancy.
Glen is the social media and website manager for the Liberty Champion. Follow her on X
