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Step 1
Go for a walk. Depression tends to cause people to withdraw from life. The combination of fresh air, sunshine, and the light exercise of brisk walking for 30 minutes can help to release natural endorphins into the system that help to counteract this predilection.
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Step 2
Take some vitamins. There are several vitamins that are important to good mental health. Thiamin, niacin and B6 are three examples. Vitamin C has also demonstrated the ability to help promote a positive emotional balance when taken in certain doses.
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Step 3
Consider herbal remedies. There are a number of herbs that are have a great deal of anecdotal evidence supporting their effectiveness in minimizing depression. While St. John’s Wort is one of the most popular, there are also such helpful herbs as lady’s slipper root, lemon balm, and skullcap.
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Step 4
Check out the spice rack. There are several spices that may help to alleviate depression. Cayenne pepper, or capsicum, is commonly used in cooking but also can provide an energy boost that helps to chase the blues away. In like manner, garlic can also help elevate mood.
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Step 5
Reduce your intake of caffeine. While stimulating to the system, excess caffeine is not beneficial and can lead to feeling down in the dumps. Try cutting back on the amount of coffee and tea you consume daily.
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Step 6
Lose the tobacco habit. There is nothing beneficial about smoking. The addiction to nicotine can lead to problems with depression as the habit begins to negatively impact various systems in the body. Kick the habit and the future should look brighter.
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Step 7
Make a change. Doing something different can sometimes be effective in helping to ease the effects of depression. Something as simple as seeing an old friend or trying out a new restaurant can add a lift to a life that seems to be in a rut.
