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10 Ways to Treat Depression Naturally

By Operation-Meditation

Depression affects as many as 19 million Americans. This is not a condition to be taken lightly – it causes serious consequences if left untreated. The symptoms of depression are troublesome, as well, with many feeling sad, anxious, and worthless. You may be wondering how to treat depression naturally. If you have tried medication and didn’t like the side effects, there’s hope out there. Find out about these 10 ways to treat your depression without having to incur large medical expenses and endure the side effects of medication.

1. Meditate and Relax

Meditation is an effective stress reliever. Because this method leads to the production of serotonin, experts recommend it for mild depression. Serotonin is a chemical substance found to be in short supply with depression. Boost your serotonin production by meditating. Relaxation of the body promotes a sense of well-being and encourages positive thinking.

2. Set Some Goals

Because many depressed people have nothing to look forward to, experts recommend setting some basic goals that are achievable. Start out small, like making your bed every day. Advance from there to more complex, difficult goals, like running a mile.

3. Get a Routine and Stick with It

Leading psychiatrists recommend that depressed people have a fixed routine. This eliminates unnecessary stress because you know what is going to happen next. Try to stick with your routine whenever possible.

4. Exercise

Many wondering how to treat depression naturally overlook the benefits of exercise. You don’t have to take a pill, just get up and move. Exercise stimulates the production of endorphins in your body. Endorphins are those feel-good chemical elements we all love. Simple exercise is one of the best things you can do to ward off the blues.

5. Get Enough Rest

When your body is fatigued, you feel down. Depression makes it difficult to sleep at times. To optimize your rest, get rid of all distractions from your bedroom. This includes the TV, computer, and radio. Try not to nap during the day so you will be sleepy at bedtime.

6. Eat Healthy

While there is no magic diet to cure depression, eating healthy will provide you with the energy you need to face each day. Eat a well-balanced diet, full of fruits and vegetables. Avoid junk food and processed foods. Preliminary research suggests that foods high in omega-3 fatty acids could possibly ease the symptoms of depression. To get your omega-3 fatty acids, eat tuna, salmon, and caviar. What’s more, a diet rich in folic acid helps produce a wide range of chemical necessary for the immune response to work effectively. Eat avocado and spinach to get this nutrient.

7. Try St. John’s Wort

Used for thousands of years as ancient folk medicine, this herb has been found effective in warding off the blues. St. John’s Wort helps with stress management, strengthens the immune system, and relieves anxiety. Many clinical trials have proven this herb beneficial for the treatment of mild depression. If you’re wondering how to treat depression naturally, try this herbal remedy.

8. Take some Maca

Maca is a plant root found in the Andes Mountains. This holistic remedy increases energy, sex drive, and stamina. Many find that it balances their hormones, allowing them to be rid of depression. Maca root produces a stimulant effect but does not stimulate a buzz effect.

9. Do Something New

Occasionally, try something you’ve never done before. Volunteer at a soup kitchen, learn a new language, or read a different type of book than usual. When you try new things, the levels of dopamine in your brain are enhanced, therefore increasing pleasure and enjoyment.

10. Take on Responsibilities

Nothing helps to beat the blues more than staying busy. When you have a daily routine, you don’t have to worry about unexpected, unforeseen events. Stay with your regular schedule, finish your work, honor your duties, and you’ll be amazed at how good you feel once you have finished.

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