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4 Naturally Effective Ways to Help Beat Depression

By Operation-Meditation

Depression is a mental illness that is often associated with a stigma – many people are extremely unwilling to talk about it, which means that the illness can often be left untreated and will become much worse over time. However, if you think you may be suffering from depression but are not prepared to seek medical help yet, there are some natural methods you can try first.

Meditate to promote calmness

Meditation can have a wide range of benefits for anyone who might be suffering from depression, anxiety, or other mental health problems. It results in an increase in a number of important neurotransmitters that improve mood and help you to feel much better. These chemicals include endorphins, which are responsible for the feeling known as “runner’s high”, and also act as a natural painkiller.

DHEA is known to alleviate depression and improve your sense of well-being. Another neurotransmitter, GABA, can help to stabilise mood problems. In fact, the majority of mental health disorders result from the levels of

GABA in the body being too low. Regular meditation can help to bring the levels back up to normal.

Meditation also boosts the levels of serotonin, which directly affects a person’s mood. Low serotonin levels are often responsible for conditions such as depression.

Stay healthy, look after your body

If your body is not fit and healthy, then you will feel worse as a result. Eating the right foods can make a huge difference to the way you feel, making it easier to overcome depression. Start by cutting out as many processed foods as you can. You need to replace these with natural products including plenty of fruit and vegetables. Fatty foods should be avoided too, or only eaten in small amounts, as these can make you feel lethargic.

Exercise is also a great way to help boost your mood. Not only will it improve your fitness, which will help you to feel better anyway, but it also leads to higher production of endorphins, which have long been known to help fight depression. It also provides a physical release for any stress that you happen to be feeling, so exercise really is one of the best things you can do to help fight off depression. It is, however, important to choose something that you will enjoy, to ensure that you will keep it up.

Spend time in the sun

Depression is often worse during the winter months, so take advantage of any day when the sun is shining and get outside. Whether you simply sit out in the sunlight and read a book, go for a walk, play with the dog or the kids, the choice is yours.

Set yourself goals, and stick to them

Give yourself a goal to accomplish every day. This can be something small, such as going for a walk or arranging to go for lunch with a friend, but it gives you a target to aim for. Try to see a friend at least once a week, as social interaction can help you to overcome depression. Talk to people about what you are feeling – they may have gone through something similar and be able to make suggestions about what you can do. You do not have to deal with your illness alone, and it is important to realise this.

Beating depression can be done using these natural methods; however, it will take time, so don’t become discouraged if you do not see the results immediately. Persevere with your chosen methods, but also be aware of when you should seek further medical advice.

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