365 Day Mood Project

Part of this project for me is to document how I usually get out of a funk. Not every day is jumping out of a plane or going on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Some days it’s just the basics.

Right now, I’m exhausted, I have a hard time getting up in the mornings, and I’m unmotivated. So, I’m going back to basics.

We covered hydration, so today we’re focusing on eating.

Eating for me is THE HASSLE. Frankly, the fact that I can’t photosynthesize is proof that god isn’t real for me.

So I handle this based on energy level. I’ll break it down.

Eating on bad days

The hurdle is to get the vitamins that give you energy into your body. I’m not a nutritionist, I’m a professional depression-haver, so hacks are the name of the game.

Recommendation 1: Gruns Supergreens Multivitamins

It’s 100% of most of the vitamins you get from fruits and vegetables in a little packet of 8 gummies. If you’re struggling to eat in general, I don’t care how you get the nutrients, just get them. This is an easy way to do that.

Recommendation 2: Easy carbs

I’m not here to count your macros. Carbohydrates are just the things that give you energy quickest, so find a way to shove those in your face. I have a big tub of raisins that I keep near me. They’re tiny but have tons of carbs, so it’s a shortcut to feeling better quicker.

Recommendation 3: Whatever you’ll actually eat

At the end of the day, something is better than nothing. When you’re in a deep funk, you can worry about all of the dietary jargon later. For now, it’s about getting through it. Get what you’ll eat.

Ok, but I don’t have anything in my house

RELATABLE. The grocery store is my nemesis. I view going to a crowded HEB like diving into a pool full of sharks. I’m screaming the whole time I’m inside (not really, but you get the point).

So here’s how I handle the mental Mount Everest that is grocery shopping in Austin. Adapt as needed.

Low Energy

This is for days when you think “fuck a grocery store and fuck leaving my house”.

Recommendation 1: Use a delivery service

Instacart, Amazon, whatever you prefer. I personally think Jeff Bezos is the devil, but my take on it all is that there is no ethical consumption under capitalism. The number one goal is to get through your day. Don’t feel bad about adjusting your life to your needs. You do what you can when you can.

Recommendation 2: Curbside Pick-Up

If you can make it out of the house, HEB offers curbside pickup. You can book a later time, work yourself up to it, and just park. They’ll take care of the rest.

Medium energy

These are for some days when you’re thinking, “I can handle being outside, but if I have to deal with traffic, I’m out.”

Recommendation 1: Sprouts off of Barbara Jordan

This place is ALWAYS. CHILL. I’ve never been overwhelmed here. Everyone minds their business, there’s self-checkout, and you can go in and out.

Recommendation 2: Smaller chains or independent grocery stores tech bros and influencers don’t think of

I’m talking about your local neighborhood places where it’s not “cool” to be. No Trader Joe’s in Seaholm, no Whole Foods. We’re not out here trying to pick up someone from a run club or film content for our instas. We’re trying to grab some food and get out.

This’ll depend on the neighborhood. In Brentwood, there’s a Fresh Plus off Woodrow Ave.

Near Mueller, there’s a La Hacienda Market that’s pretty chilled out.

If you’re driving home from work, notice the parking lots. If they’re not swarmed, it’s a good sign. You’re aiming for chill, not flashy.

High Energy

If you’re like me, you will avoid some places like the Whole Foods off Lamar or the HEB off 51st like THE PLAGUE. Even on my best days, I usually don’t have the energy for something like that.

Now there are some places that I like, but I’m not going to give specific recommendations for this category.

When I’m energized and in a good mood, my goal is to keep the momentum. So, what I’m always thinking about in these instances is “is what I will get here worth the effort and energy it will take to get it?”

If the answer isn’t yes, reconsider.

A Final Word

Opinions are like assholes, everyone has one. Everyone will try to tell you where to go and what to do. The irony of my saying that on a list of recommendations isn’t lost on me.

That said, this is all a starting point. Rules are bullshit. The key to depression is adapting everything you take in to what works for you. Nothing is hard and fast; it’s all about making it to the next day.

Day 2 is a wrap. Keep it pushing. Love you, mean it.