sleeping away depression

 

Perhaps you’ve noticed that poor sleep can make you tired, lower your mood and make it difficult to concentrate? Yes, poor quality sleep can increase depressive symptoms and the risk of depression. In turn, depression leads to poor sleep. Actually, most depressed people struggle with sleep. Just as poor sleep increases depression, good quality sleep reduces it. If you feel that you’d like to improve your sleep you’ll find a lot of great tips on this page. sleep

 

exercising away depression

 

It’s well known that exercise is very beneficial for the body and mind. It has been shown to improve mood, improve concentration, improve memory, protect against illness, improve sleep, and reduce depression. The biggest problem with exercise is this that it can be difficult to find the motivation for it when you are depressed. It’s almost like a cruel joke that when you’re experiencing the lowest amount of energy, you’re supposed to sweat and pant and jump to get out of it. Fortunately, there is a way of exercise program developed specially for people with fibromyalgia, that works really well for depression. Read more.

 

nutrition for depression

 

A well-nourished body is better at handling stress, recovering from illnesses and difficult life events. The gut microbiome actually communicates with the brain through the gut-brain axis, making diet an effective natural treatment for depression. You’ll find a lot more information and the full recipe for an antidepressant diet here: 

 

psychotherapy for depression

 

Talking with a licensed psychologist is probably more effective than antidepressants for treating depression because antidepressants tend to numb the mind while with psychotherapy you delve into the mind. Statically about half of patients who complete a course of psychotherapy fully recover from depression. The good thing about therapy is that you get to share your story with an empathic person who actually knows what you can do to improve your situation.

 

mindfulness for depression

 

Mindfulness – deliberately focusing your attention on the present moment – can reduce depressive symptoms. This is probably one of the most enjoyable natural depression treatments available.

The easiest way to start practicing mindfulness is to focus on one of your senses, for example smelling, listening or tasting. You give the smell of freshly cut grass or the sweet taste of a strawberry your full attention for a few minutes. And when your mind starts to wander, you gently bring back your focus to the grass or the strawberry again.

 

journal away depression 

 

 

spending time with animals

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Can hanging out with a dog or a horse really reduce depression? Actually, researchers have known for decades that spending time with animals can act as a natural treatment for depression. It works with sheep too. And it helps with anxiety and the negative effects of emotional trauma.

 

connecting with others

 

Meeting friends and family, going to parties or other social gatherings and engaging in the community is a big challenge when depressed. But it is important. Very important. In fact, connecting with others can act as a natural treatment for depression. Close personal relationships give you a sense of belonging. They can improve your sense of self-worth and offer you emotional support. Additionally, they give you the opportunity to support others, which is also antidepressant. If you can, try to spend time with your family or a friend every day. It doesn’t have to be a huge arrangement, just try to have a meal together with your family or take a short walk with a friend. Ask them about what’s going on in their lives. Maybe today is a good time to visit that relative or acquaintance who needs company or support? If you live far away from friends or family, use video calls as often as you can.