How to Deal With Depression Naturally

Depression strikes everyone at some point in their lives; however, there are many natural ways in which one can deal with depression. I have used some of the techniques that I am about to share with you.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• candles
• incense
• smooth jazz
• a park
• a place of peace
• things that make you happy
• a favorite book
• healthy food

1. Depressed guy Immediately disassociate yourself from people, places, and things that stress and depress you- if possible. If that is not possible, I will give you ways to get away later. If you like to eat when you get depressed DON'T!! It'll make you more depressed if you gain weight.
2. The Sax After you've removed yourself from all the depressing factors that you could, it's time to unwind. One thing that helps relax me and keep my mind off things that are depressing me is to put on some jazz music or to put on some upbeat music and light my candles/incense and just relax on my bed with the lights out. It relaxes your muscles and helps you to calm down and detach yourself from your depression. If you want to eat, I suggest eating a bowl of grapes, strawberries or any other kind of fruit. Or you could eat some dark chocolate since chocolate is a mood improver.
3. Next, are you drinking enough water, eating a well-balanced diet, and getting enough sleep? Studies show that if you are dehydrated and don't get enough sleep, you don't have the energy to take on a single day and it's chores without feeling stressed and overwhelmed. So, get your sleep and drink your water! I suggest freezing your water. It tastes so good when it's ice-cold AND it burns more calories because your body has lowered the temperature of the water to your body's temp.
   
   A well-balanced diet could easily have an effect on you- especially when there is a combination of other things that are weighting you down. If you don't eat well, you can become sluggish, irritable, sad, depressed, and a host of other feelings that can lead to or be confused with depression. So, get those fruits and veggies, lean proteins, whole-grain/whole-wheat products, and low-fat dairy products!
4. For the holistic ways of treating depression, I would try yoga. Yoga forces you to be aware of your body and it is a type of meditation that helps clear the mind and cleanses the soul! It also allows you to stretch your muscles and it is a form of exercise, so while you are meditating and freeing your mind, you are also getting some exercise in!
   
   There is massage and acupuncture as well. We all know the benefits of a massage. It relaxes tense muscles and increases circulation throughout the body. Acupressure/shiatsu is a Chinese remedy in which pressure is applied with he thumbs and palms to those parts of the body that are used in acupuncture. Both are to be relaxing and soothing.
5. Exercise, exercise, exercise!! I cannot stress that enough. When I stay in the house all the time, I become depressed. Put on some walking shoes and walk around your neighborhood. Admire the beauty of nature on your walk and appreciate the many colors of the plants and leaves. Look at the architect of the homes. Breathe deeply and appreciate what God has done! Walk to the nearest park and do the same.
6. You can also start a journal. Writing down your feelings, things that have ticked you off, or things that are depressing you can help you to get a hold on things. Depression is a very imprecise medical condition because there are so many other conditions that have the symptoms of depression. Doing this journal can help you figure out if you're truly depressed or if you're moody or you have some other condition.
   
   If journaling doesn't do it for you, read a book. It doesn't matter what it is. It could be Harry Potter, A Stephen King Novel or whatever it is that you love reading. When you do the things you love, you don't have time to be depressed!

Tips & Warnings

• I would recommend doing the journal because it's very important in determining the things that depress you.
• Also, it determines when you were depressed (the time and date)
• Lastly, journaling can help you find out what's truly wrong so that you can get the proper care that you need
• It is recommended that you SEE YOUR DOCTOR so that you can get an accurate diagnosis
• You may not be depressed, but then again you may have some other ailment that involves depression- like bipolar disease or an anxiety disorder
• And as always, you should check with your physician before you start any kind of health program