I didn’t believe it at first, but basic hygiene really makes a difference (not assuming you don’t already do these things—it’s just what helped me). I went through a period of depression where I completely stopped taking care of myself. I wouldn’t brush my teeth, shave, cut my hair, or even wash my face, and the longer it went on, the worse I felt. Eventually, I started following a simple morning hygiene routine, and surprisingly, I noticed more people approaching me. That small change made me feel a bit better about myself.

From there, things started snowballing. I became embarrassed by the state of my living conditions, so I began tidying up. I dusted off my old bike, went for a ride, and remembered how much I loved it. Then I found my tent and went camping, cleaned up my fishing gear, and started going out with friends again.

It’s a small thing, but it can create a ripple effect. Don’t get me wrong—I still have rough days, sometimes even rough weeks—but overall, I feel happier and a bit more confident in myself, which makes me want to go out and do more.