I’ll second the walking suggestion. It just makes me feel better. I listen to music usually, but sometimes I just listen to my rural neighborhood. Plus it’s good for your heart.
I’m sending good thoughts your way. I hope you feel better soon.
Ha! I love that. Your sense of humor certainly has staying power.
Good vibes and positive thoughts coming your way, Faithfool! I’ve spaced them out, so they don’t all hit you at once!
Sorry for the multiple posts again, but that seems easiest.
This is cracking me up too. So much for eastern practices, huh?
This sounds so interesting. And I learned long ago; whatever works is a godsend. I’ll definitely be adding this to my arsenal of tricks to ward off all the bad stuff. Thank you for sharing, jayrey!
Ya know, I undoubtedly discount this more than I should. I’ve been battling this shit since '96 and I’ve seen many an advancement in the field. So, you are so right and every day there’s bound to be more help around the corner. I appreciate the insight, Wesley. Thank you.
Too true. I’d gotten up to almost three miles of walking daily, but I’ve somewhat back slid these days because I have a tendency to isolate when I’m depressed and the like. Thanks, nwyd (and others) for reminding me not to give that up.
Heh. If you can’t beat 'em, kill 'me with laughter.
Thank you, bobot. Those are the best kind.
And to everyone that’s been there, done that… I can’t tell y’all how much I’m grateful for you taking the time to offer me support and advice. I always say the Dope is one of the best places out there. You guys just prove it. Over and over and over again. I’m feeling better already.
Of course, some of that may be due to pooper-scooping all afternoon. But still.
There are lots of free or cheap (99 cents) meditation apps. I like meditation oasis’s “take a break.”
Duh. I had no idea, Brynda, so thanks. Off to the app store.
This is actually very common, it’s a muscle memory thing. To your body, relaxing muscles = sleep. The point of meditation is relaxing muscles while remaining alert. This is quite useful for various things, both physical and mental.
Now if you don’t feel you need meditation then of course it doesn’t matter at all. But it is quite interesting to note that your body refuses to separate relaxation and sleep, don’t you think? Everything that happens is stored in our bodies’ muscles. This can create all kinds of tension, some people get tension head aches, some people just frown a lot. It can be useful to study being able to let that tension go whenever you decide.
OTOH, it’s also pretty useful to know a really good way of falling asleep! 
(Apologies for the little meditation sidebar.)
I know someone who described his own mental problems as “being terrified of heights and getting dragged onto the rollercoaster”. He was very good at keeping doctor schedules and so forth because when his meds worked he felt “on the ground”.
Meditation isn’t “an eastern practice”, it’s been done in the West for milennia as well, both active and passive modes.
I’d send chocolate but it doesn’t fit in the cable. Sorry 
My mom’s been feeling overwhelmed, dealing with my dad, so I sent her two coloring books, colored pencils, and a big book of word puzzles and games. She got it today and declared she would spend time coloring.
I have always found that crayons make things better.
This is where I wish the SDMB had a drop-box for sending care packages. I suspect crayons and coloring books would cheer up a lot of people, not just your mom.
Awww, thanks, Nava. And yeah, meditation has definitely spread worldwide, I was just talking origins and attempting to be amusing. Obviously, I had a fail. 
phouka, this is awesome. I’m so glad you did that for your mom. I know I’d love something like that, mostly because I’m a 4 year old at heart.
Totally agree, Maserschmidt. Dopers have helped me so much, I’d be thrilled to give back in such a way. Perhaps we should organize something? < nods >
Thanks again, all, for the great ideas and kindness. As I’ve said so many times before, the Teeming Millions are the absolute best. <3 <3