mdolla: 7 Steps to Help Fight Depression

Depression is a serious condition that affects many people at some point in their lives. You do not have to feel guilty or embarrassed about being depressed. There are many healthy ways to fight depression. These seven easy steps can also be performed as a preventive measure once you have recovered from depression

1. Spend Time With a Friend

You do not need to unload your problems onto your friend like you would with a counselor, but you can seek out the companionship that your friends provide. Even something as simple as meeting a friend for coffee can lift your spirits. A strong social support network is a proven way to help fight depression.

2. Get Out in Nature

Getting outside, feeling the sunshine on your skin and breathing the fresh air are known to improve the mood. Your body uses sunlight to make vitamin D, which also helps to fight depression. Go for a walk in your neighborhood, go to a local park and swing or just find a bench with a scenic view and take in the scenery.

3. Spend Time With Animals

If you do not have your own pet, consider volunteering at a local shelter. Brushing the cats or taking dogs for a walk can help to lower your stress. Volunteering at a rescue shelter can also help you to feel like you are doing something for the greater good. Blow bubbles and watch the dog try to catch them. You might also consider adopting a companion animal. Caring for a pet will give you something to focus on, and pets provide their owners with unconditional love.

4. Eating Healthy

Part of fighting depression is nourishing yourself from within. In addition to caring for your mind and spirit, you also need to nourish your body. A lot of people don’t realize that certain things they eat are changing their mood.

Many recent studies point towards gluten causing depression. If you don’t have time to prepare healthy, or particularly gluten-free meal, there are new services like Ion Nutrition that will deliver them straight to your door. Make sure your meals include plenty of vitamins B, C and D. Some good options include roasted root vegetables with a lean protein and some fresh fruit for dessert. Be sure that you are staying hydrated, focusing on water and avoiding caffeine and alcohol.

5. Get Active

Regular exercise helps your body to produce endorphins. These neurochemicals are a natural mood lifter. You do not have to become a fitness guru in order to get more physical activity in your life. Choose something that you enjoyed in the past, such as bicycling or doing yoga.

Swimming, adult dance classes and rock climbing are all great year-round activities. Aim for 30 minutes of moderate intensity activity every day of the week. Getting active can also help you to maintain a healthy body weight and build muscle strength, which may give you a boost in self-confidence.

6. Engage in Hobbies

Even if you do not feel like working on any of your past hobbies, you may find that those activities that once brought you pleasure can be satisfying to do again. If you used to read novels, consider joining a book club. You will get to read a new book and socialize with others, these bring even more benefits to fighting depression.

If you used to whip up a pair of knit socks every week, visit your local yarn shop, select a beautiful hank of yarn, wind it into a cake and get your needles clicking. The tangible aspects of a hobby and creating a finished product can remind you of the skills and talents that you have.

7. Bring Humor Into Your Life

Watching something silly is another healthy way to fight depression. You may find yourself laughing at one of your favorite comedies or the weekly episode of Saturday Night Live once again.

Laughter is good for your body and your spirit, and you may forget what was on your mind, at least for a little while.

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