Thank you for sharing your techniques. I feel so encouraged to see all of you having such similar experiences to mine. I usually recognize I am dealing with a bout of depression when suddenly I can't make a simple, unimportant decisions. Buy this pen or that? (it really doesn't matter which, but I can't decide!) But I procrastinate all the time, even though I know how great it makes me feel when I get stuff done. It does get worse when depressed.

I found I can get some energy to do a thing if I get out and walk first. (Though some days getting dressed is a FIRST hurdle. lol! Few times it got dark on me, before I got ready) But the sun, fresh air, body movement, gives me energy to tackle something usually, and the satisfaction of 2 things done, can give energy to do yet another.

Music too, rhytmic, foot tapping kind, like to dance to.

Also, even when all depressed I manage to keep appointments, can go to my eye exam or whatever, so i make the task I choose feel like that. I make an appointment. Tomorrow I am doing that (whatever). Works sometimes.

Another self-talk that I use, is a language of love not coertion. "Do this because it is good for you to do this, it is a medicine, it is recovery."