4 Natural Ways to Ease Depression

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Depression is something that as many as three out of five people experience every single day. And while in some cases it may be so extreme that people require professional help and medication, there are natural methods that can help alleviate less severe symptoms. 

By staying diligent and focused, you can find a light at the end of the tunnel— the natural way. Here are some natural ways to ease depression and improve your mental health.

Stay Social

One of the leading causes of depression is due to feelings of loneliness. This is particularly true for people over the age of 70 who go out less than their younger years.  They may have mobility issues and therefore feel more isolated. However, feelings of isolation and loneliness are not only limited to the older population.

Even younger people can go through periods of feeling lonely and abandoned, which is why it’s so important to reach out and ask for help. Staying social keeps your mind busy, and reminds you that you have a community full of people who care about you. Make plans with friends and family, and join an activity while you’re at it!

Stay Physically Active

Staying physically active is so important for your physical and mental health. When you exercise regularly, you boost the production of endorphins which are those “feel good” hormones that help you feel happy and relaxed. 

Exercise also helps your overall brain function from your memory to mood regulation. Try to find an activity that you actually enjoy so that exercise doesn’t feel like a chore. Even 20 to 30 minutes of moderate exercise like walking or swimming can make a significant difference in your mental health. Ideally, walking should be done outside, as getting out of the confines of your home has been proven to be more effective for combatting depression than exercising at home.

Sleep

Sleep is so important when it comes to your mental health. The less you sleep the more susceptible you are to anxiety and feelings of hopelessness, which is why it’s so important you set up a healthy sleep routine.

It can be difficult nowadays to avoid distractions right before bed, as there’s so many stimulations coming at us from our phones and television. However, the more you can limit screen time and create a calming bedtime routine, the more likely you are to get to bed sooner and fall asleep faster. This won’t just help you regulate your mood, but it can even help you with your concentration at work, and your overall performance in life.

Eat Well

As they say, you are what you eat. Prioritizing a healthy diet full of plenty of lean proteins and whole grains can make a significant difference in your overall mood. Some chemicals are even known to exist in certain processed foods which can skyrocket your irritability and likeliness of depression, which is why you should always opt for natural foods instead of processed ones.

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