Regular check-ins with friends
A standing group chat or text that asks how you actually are
Two or three trusted friends who message each other on purpose, not only when something is wrong: a group chat with an agreed signal for a bad day, or a recurring text between two people who have been through similar things. The habit is the asking, and the agreement that the honest answer is allowed. It costs nothing, and people tend to mention it alongside therapy rather than instead of it.
Who backs it
Sorted by strength of stance
- Dwayne JohnsonDoes it
Actor and former WWE champion · The Rock
When a third depressive stretch arrived around 2017 he recognized it and, in his words, leaned on friends, telling them he was feeling wobbly and seeing gray instead of blue. He credits that to having learned what it was; in college and after his divorce he had no name for it and kept quiet.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter: Dwayne Johnson Says He's Had Multiple Bouts of Depression - Michael PhelpsDoes it
Olympic swimmer · Most decorated Olympian in history
Leans on a group chat of male friends. When someone is spiraling, they send a rollercoaster emoji, and he says the check-in texts have arrived at important moments, sometimes for him and sometimes for the others.
Source: Fortune: Michael Phelps does these 5 things every day to be his 'best self'
Aimed at the same thing
Other entries filed under stress.
- HabitFREE, no cost
Daily meditation
10-20 minutes of formal practice, most days
Backed by 17 of 44 stacks: 13 do it, 1 recommend it, 3 have discussed it - HabitFREE, no cost
Daily walking
A long walk most days, often without headphones
Backed by 12 of 44 stacks: 8 do it, 4 recommend it, 0 have discussed it - HabitFREE, no cost
Gratitude practice
Writing down a few specific things you are grateful for, daily
Backed by 10 of 44 stacks: 8 do it, 1 recommend it, 1 have discussed it - HabitFREE, no cost
Journaling
Writing to unload the mind, usually first thing or last thing
Backed by 9 of 44 stacks: 9 do it, 0 recommend it, 0 have discussed it - HabitFREE, no cost
Deliberate solitude
Regular time with your own thoughts and no other inputs
Backed by 8 of 44 stacks: 6 do it, 2 recommend it, 0 have discussed it - HabitFREE, no cost
Daily prayer
A fixed time for prayer each morning, before the phone and before the day starts
Backed by 3 of 44 stacks: 3 do it, 0 recommend it, 0 have discussed it
Habit entry · notes paraphrased from cited sources, quoted excerpts copied from the transcript they link to. Not medical advice. Not affiliated with, endorsed by, or reviewed by anyone listed. How this works.