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Natural Ways to Deal With Depression

By Operation-Meditation

It’s perfectly normal to feel down or sad every once in awhile. Unfortunately, if these feelings and their causes are not addressed then they can develop into conditions that are much more damaging and difficult to recover from. If you have been feeling particularly blue lately, you may want to consider these natural ways to deal with depression.

1. Try Something New

Sometimes the novelty and excitement of doing something new can provide just the jolt of energy you need to pick you up out of the doldrums. You may choose to learn a new language, a musical instrument or take a class in acting. All of these activities will help you re-focus your energy into something positive and may just provide you the emotional distance you need during this time of vulnerability.

2. Get More Sun

The next time you’re feeling blue, try spending some time outside. Research has shown that sunlight can have a positive impact on depressed individuals and can increase energy levels as well. Take some time to go for a walk early in the morning or an hour or two before the sun goes down and you will be sure to see a noticeable difference in how you feel.

3. End Negative Thought Cycles

Sometimes depression can be the result of negative thought patterns taking hold of our mind. If you find yourself becoming pessimistic or cynical then you should address the issue as soon as possible. One effective method for ending these negative thought patterns is to imagine a stop sign appearing in your mind every time you have a negative thought. Picture the stop sign vividly and then replace the thought with a positive one. Once you have broken the cycle of negative thinking you may be surprised at how quickly your mood improves.

4. Meditate

Depression can also be the result of the failure to address negative emotions that have built up over time. In order to manage these emotions and prevent them from overwhelming you, it may be a good idea to consider meditation. This practice has several different health benefits and has been proven to increase GABA, serotonin and other essential neurotransmitters that help your brain function. If you practice meditation on a daily basis then you will see an increase in your mood, sense of purpose, creativity, problem solving skills and much more. Practicing meditation will also prevent harmful emotions and thoughts from becoming embedded in your personality and hindering your personal development.

5. Surround Yourself With Positive People

If you find that the people around you are causing you to feel blue then you should realize that you have the power to change this. Join a recreational sports club or take a class where you can meet positive people who motivate you to achieve good things. It has been suggested that your personality is highly dependent on the five people that you spend most of your time with. Changing your peer group can be an effective method for eliminating depression.

6. Work Out

Exercise improves your energy levels and helps boost your immune system and mood. If you have been feeling down lately then you may want to consider spending more time at the gym. If you spend at least 40 minutes engaging in some sort of physical activity at least 3 times a week, then you should expect to see improvements in your mental health quickly.

7. Consider Natural Supplements

Many people don’t like the idea of taking pharmaceuticals to treat depression because they often include unwanted side effects. Luckily, there are several natural supplements available that are designed to address your mood without the negative side effects. If you are experiencing mild depression, you might want to consider adding Omega-3s or St. John’s Wart to your daily supplement regimen. However, before you begin any new supplement regimen, make sure to talk with your doctor first.

Depression can rob you of your energy and focus and that’s why it’s important to address the condition as quickly as possible. There are several different natural ways to deal with depression and we believe the ones listed above to be some of the most effective.

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