The Power of a Group (90 Second Read)
Daniel Crosby • December 6, 2022
The Power of a Group
You have a problem and you need to make a decision to solve that problem.
Before you make that decision be sure to consider WHAT is happening and WHY it is happening.
It is easy to be blind to the WHY when you are too close to the problem.
This is where the POWER OF A GROUP is incredibly valuable. You want a group where you know people are for you…
…for your success,
…for your health,
…cheering you on to win.
You also want a group who is unbiased enough to be outside of your problem. They are FOR YOU, but they are NOT YOU.
3 Characteristics of a Good Group:
- The group must be safe. (We don’t blast one another for pitching ideas.)
- The group must be real and vulnerable. (We’re allowed to disagree and express fears and passions)
- The group must be brutally honest. (We’re expected to respectful but not over-filter if we have something to add)
Without these three characteristics you run the risk of getting more biased information that could move you toward the wrong decision.
One of the best places to begin finding a unbiased opinion is counseling. Counselors shouldn’t make your decision for you, but offer you SAFE, REAL, and HONEST feedback to help you make a better decision.
If you or someone you know is facing a big decision, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m here to help.
Depression + Sleep Struggles Sleep is one of the biggest struggles we face when we’re depressed. Oddly enough the diagnosis manual says “Insomnia or hypersomnia nearly every day” as one of the symptoms. Whether you can’t sleep at all or you’re sleeping all the time it can really rock your world. Maybe your mind is just spinning with all the jumble of thoughts in your head. Or maybe you have no energy and you’re struggling to just do the basics before going back to bed. Here are 3 ideas to get the sleep routine back on track: 1. Create a predictable wind-down ritual – Early dinner, Herbal tea, Warm bath, Good smelling lotion, Clean sheets and jammies. 2. Try “brain dump” journaling at night – Write down today’s wins and loses as well as tomorrow’s worries so your brain can let go of those things. You can relax better without ruminating on it because it’s written down. 3. Avoid doom scrolling— Replace screens with audio or soft light activity. Soothing. Uplifting reading. Devotional. Positive in/Positive out. If you must watch TV make sure it’s an emotion that competes with depression (funny!) Homework: Try a new bedtime strategy tonight and notice if it helps you wind down a little easier. Your brain and body will thank you tomorrow morning.
Depression + Guilt and Shame "I just hate telling my friends and family how I feel because I feel like such a burden. I’m sure they’re sick of hearing about it by now." One of the lies depression tells us is that we have to carry this thing by alone because no one else wants to help. Guilt and shame are the heaviest lies that we tend to carry but we fight lies with the truth: • Feelings aren’t always facts – Just because you feel like a burden doesn’t mean you are one. That’s what we in the biz call a cognitive distortion — your mind is offering its opinion as fact. • Asking for help is strength, not weakness – When my mom said, “Y’all come help me carry in the groceries,” I never thought she was weak. When we love each other asking for and receiving help should go both ways. It’s an honor to help not a burden. • Treat yourself like you’d treat a friend – If someone you loved felt the way you do, you wouldn’t tell them to keep it to themselves. You’d listen, support, and remind them they matter. You would even be mad at them for NOT telling you. You deserve the same. Homework: Identify your 3am friends. These are people you could call at 3am and they’d come running with no questions asked. If you don’t have any 3am people, then go back and read the post about finding the # 1 Symptom of Depression. It’s time to start building those connections.
Depression + Nutrition (PART 2) Ok, so I took all the fun away from eating junk last time. So let’s talk about things that are good fuel for our bodies. 1. Lean proteins: Fish and chicken provide good lean protein which boost our longer term energy and keep us from crashing later in the day. 2. Leafy Greens: Rich in folate, which is linked to improved mood. 3. Blueberries: High in antioxidants and may help protect against oxidative stress, which can contribute to depression. 4. Sweet Potatoes: A good source of vitamin B6, which is involved in the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin. 5. Avocados: Rich in healthy fats and nutrients that can contribute to overall well-being. 6. Dark Chocolate: Contains antioxidants and may improve mood. When you’re eating these foods, you have to get up off the couch to prepare most of them. You just achieved a goal by creating a meal. Now you’re proud of yourself because you did something healthy which helps yourself talk. Now you can share a good recipe with a friend which creates socialization. It all works together! Homework: How did the Yuka App from last week work out? There were probably some surprises in your pantry. This week, look up a healthy recipe, cook it, and notice if how you feel eating something healthy. Bonus: Here’s a fun recipe my wife and I like to cook, especially in the winter months when we’re hankering for something fresh. Sweet Potato Bowls: Roast whole sweet potatoes in the oven until you can stick a knife through it easily. (Should take close to an hour depending on the thickness of the potato Cut open and hollow out the potato into a bowl (It’s going to be really hot!) Top with scoop of black beans – we buy the canned ones (heat on the stove while potatoes cook) Add toppings: ½ Sliced avocado Halved cherry tomatoes Chopped onion Chopped cilantro Sour cream or a drizzle of ranch dressing Salt and pepper to taste
