Depression strikes, and we are left with the aftermath of something not even totally understood by science. Sadness, feelings of defeat and loneliness are symptoms of depression – an illness that afflicts many millions of Americans. We know that a lot of people suffer with these feelings that drag us down. No matter how bad it gets, there is always hope; at rock bottom there is nowhere to go but up. Although you may have been through the ringer or are suffering in silence, remember to be gentle with yourself. Coax yourself up and out of that funk, and you will find there are many ways to combat depression. Here are four beat-the-blues basics to help shake depression.
Let’s get physical
Exercise, ugh! Maintaining an active lifestyle can be a challenge. Even if working out is the last thing we want to do, it’s important for our mental and physical health. Numerous studies link physical movement with improved mood, and feelings of happiness and inner peace. Try to exercise 30 minutes a day and see the difference. Exercise can be fun, you just have to find what is right for you. Professional boxers train extensively day after day, but if jumping rope and pugilism aren’t right for you, you can try more gentle exercise such as stretching, dance, or water aerobics. Literally anything that gets your body moving, even just walking, is good for you. Get off your butt and stomp out that depression!
Herbal Healing
Oatstraw infusions, St. John’s Wort, and Garden Sage are examples of herbs that help with depression. The wide offerings of Mother Nature have been used for thousands of years to cure illnesses and ailments, and science finds cures for diseases in green plants from the earth. When working with plants it is important to form a kinship with the spirit of the plant. It sounds silly; commune with the plant in your mind and ask its permission to use its healing power. You may find that decorating your home with plants will improve your mood as well, among other benefits. Make sure when taking a new herb or infusion that you properly research its properties and tendencies with your condition. Always make sure too that you are not combining medications that could react adversely with one another.
A Beautiful Mindfulness
Meditation, Tai Chi, or yoga all strive to reconnect ourselves with the energy within us and around us. Find a practice that stimulates your soul. The silence in these activities saturates your being with a certain magic – one free of stress and encumberment. If you have kids, you are sure to appreciate silence in addition to its spiritual meaning. Tai Chi and yoga combine physical movement with mindfulness. The mind is deeply connected to the body, and we see the benefits of mindful practices over time and exponentially so. Take time each day to quiet your mind or practice any tool that brings you back into your body, in the present moment, and enjoying being alive.
Let’s do lunch
Diet and nutrition play a vital role in health and our emotional state. Cutting out processed foods, soda pop, and excessive sugars can help your brain function better. Avocados are great for depression, as are nuts, fish, fruits and vegetables, and foods high in fiber. Whole grains, beans, seafood, and lean meats have also shown a correlation between consumption and improved depression. The food you eat fuels your body so it is important to cut out junk food whenever possible. There are many ways to prepare these foods to be totally delicious so don’t be afraid to branch out of your comfort zone. Feed your body with nutritious and healthy food to combat depression from the start.
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Educating ourselves on how to fight depression actually tops the list. Armed with knowledge and information you can go forward and make meaningful changes in your life. Diet and exercise, mindfulness, and herbal medicine are all helpful tips for beating the blues. Lady Day (Billie Holiday) sings the blues:
“I sit in my chair and filled with despair, there’s no one could be so sad. With gloom everywhere, I sit and I stare, I know that I’ll soon go mad.” [(In my) Solitude, 1952]
We may feel desperate at times, like there is no hope. Keep your head up. Educate yourself and take baby steps. Try to shift your depression and transform negativity into positive thinking. You got this!