10 Ways To Beat The Blues

Depression and anxiety are two very common disorders during these stressful times. Depression is a very serious medical condition, which affects both mind and body. While most individuals experience bouts of anxiety and utter sadness or melancholy, the good thing is that you need not worry about spending a fortune just to have it treated. Whatever your age, there are a number of simple but effective techniques for beating the blues away. Here are 10 easy-to-follow steps for effectively beating the blues.

1. Get Adequate Sleep

Sleep disorders like insomnia and sleep apnea are very common these days. Sleep deprivation affects a personís mental and physical well-being, and makes the person feel unrefreshed, out of rhythm, weak and of coursed depressed. Having your insomnia or sleep apnea treated can help to prevent depression from sapping away your energies and will to live a healthy and normal life. To regain your normal sleep routines again, refrain from smoking, drinking caffeine or alcohol, as well as learn to develop a daily pre-bedtime routine.

2. Re-Evaluate Your Diet

Your diet may also be a factor in giving you the blues. A recent study notes that depressed individuals eat foods that are high in calories, sodium, sugar and cholesterol. With having a healthier diet, youíll be less likely to get fat, weak or feeling listless. A proper diet also keeps you away from sickness or disease, and also gives you a balance of nutrients which help to keep your body and mind healthy and in good shape.

3. Exercise Regularly

A number of studies have revealed that regular exercise promotes the production of endorphins, which elevate or balance a person’s mood, enhances the individuals physical and mental strength as well. The more you exercise, the more physically competent you become, and the better your mood too. Exercise helps to keep the brain working more efficiently, allowing you to become a better and more reasonable thinker.

4.  Take Your Vitamins

Vitamins and minerals do more than just strengthen the immune system or improve your looks or physical performance. They also balance your mind, and prevent you from feeling unrefreshed, weak or depressed. A recent study has discovered that a lot of older people are vitamin-D deprived. Vitamin D according to the researchers, improves overall metabolic and cardiovascular performance, as well as protect the brain from injury, and reduce the risks of you suffering from depression.

5. Maintain A Close Relationship With Friends And Family

Who else would you go to if you feel sad or weak? your friends and family of course. A number of studies have concluded that establishing a healthy social support system and establishing close relationships with children, friends, family and close co-workers or neighbors helps protect a person from depression.

6. Attend Group Therapy Sessions

If you feel alone and you think you’ve got no one to go to for advice and comfort, it’s time to attend group therapy. Group therapy is great for alleviating social anxiety and depression, because it allows the individual to practice talking and interacting in a group setting. As the famous saying goes, “there’s strength in numbers”.

7. Actively Engage In A Hobby

Engaging in a hobby or something you enjoy doing every day, helps to effectively kick out the blues. Hobbies and leisure activities like sewing, knitting, wood carving, cooking, repairing a computer or TV, can be both fun and worthwhile doing.

8. Employ The Use Of Herbs

A number of herbs have been tested to be proven in warding off anxiety, insomnia and depression. Among the most commonly used sleep and anti-anxiety aids is Valerian root.  Valerian root helps quell anxiety and mood swings. St, Johnís Wort is also a great herb for treating depression.  However, if you decide to us this herb for treating your depression, first consult with your doctor, because this herb may interfere with other medications like blood thinners or birth control pills.

9. Go Gardening

Gardening, according to clinical psychologists, makes people get out of their own thoughts, and enables them to focus on something that needs their attention and care. Gardening is also a relaxing activity, which allows an individual to feel close to nature, and also allows the person to connect with the outside world out there.

10. Seek Immediate Treatment When You Need One

Depression is a very tough mental disorder; however it can be treated. Depression can be treated not only by medication, but by some new forms of psychotherapy as well. Among the effective methods include cognitive behavior therapy, which works by assessing and fixing a person’s thoughts and behaviors.