Participating In Pleasurable Activities
When feeling depressed or living with anxiety, we often lose interest in doing the things we once enjoyed, or we avoid leaving the house as much as we normally would. These feeling are in part due to decreased energy levels and a lack of motivation to participate in day-to-day tasks, as depression can cause us to take a back seat in our own lives.[1] If you have ever experienced these feelings, you know that it’s a hard pattern to break on your own – let us help with some simple ideas that you can find right here in Oakville.
In cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), there is a method of treatment called behavioural activation, which is all about re-engaging in pleasurable activities that give us a sense of purpose. Perhaps you’re someone who feels rejuvenated spending time outdoors and getting connected with nature – the spot for you would be Bronte Creek Provincial Park (opens in a new window). You can experience everything from hiking, camping and swimming – Bronte Creek offers five hiking trails and a 1.8-acre outdoor pool. Are you more of a thrill seeker? iFly Toronto (opens in a new window), located on Winston Park Drive in Oakville, allows you to elude the law of gravity in their unique “indoor free fall simulator”. What about going out with some friends and catching an outdoor movie? The 5 Drive-In (opens in a new window) outdoor theatre has been a gathering place for people from all over the GTA for years and is especially popular during the summer months.
Of course, these activities will be most beneficial to you when you are feeling at your best. At The Therapy Centre, our team of experienced and caring psychologists, psychotherapist and social workers treat individuals suffering from anxiety, depression, mood disorders and stress. We aim to provide clients with their own tools to get you back to living your optimal life and engaging in pleasurable activities once more. With offices located in both Oakville and Hamilton, we are easily accessible from the Greater Toronto Area, Peel Region, Halton Hills and Guelph.
[1] Centre for Clinical Interventions. (n.d). Module 2: Behavioral Strategies for Managing Depression Contents. In ACFB003.pdf. Retrieved from: http://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/docs/ACFB003.pdf
Related Links:
https://www.ontarioparks.com/park/brontecreek (opens in a new window)
https://www.iflytoronto.com/ (opens in a new window)
http://www.premiertheatres.ca/5drivein (opens in a new window)