LIFESTYLE SERIES
On today's episode, we'll be addressing the most common factor in our lives today; DEPRESSION. It is very easy to get into that space of depression but extremely hard to get out. The inspiration for today is to help us get through depression through discipline and hard work.
Depression can drain your energy, leaving you feeling empty and fatigued. This can make it difficult to muster the strength or desire to get past it. However, there are small steps you can take to help you feel more in control and improve your overall sense of well-being.
You need to meet yourself where you are. Depression is common and it affects millions of people, including some in your life. You may not realize they face similar challenges, emotions, and obstacles. Every day with this disorder is different, therefore, it's important to take your mental health seriously and accept that where you are right now isn’t where you’ll always be. The key to self treatment for depression is to be open, accepting, and loving toward yourself and what you’re going through.
You may start with Meditation. Yes,we always talk about it and that's because it's such an important and huge step to staying calm and lifting your spirit. You learn to meditate by meditating. The silence and stillness you experience in meditation and the increased happiness and diminished stress you experience outside meditation are so attractive and welcomed that you naturally teach yourself how to go deeper into that silence and stillness each time you meditate. It is absolutely natural to have thoughts during meditation. Also, it is important to do absolutely nothing during meditation.
If you’re up for exercise, consider taking a walk. On days when you feel as if you can’t get out of bed, exercising is the last thing you’d want to do,I know that for sure. However, exercise and physical activity can help to lower symptoms of depression and boost energy levels,so give it a try.
Research Trusted Source suggests that, for some people, exercise can be as effective as medication at relieving depression symptoms. It may also help prevent future depressive episodes.
Know that today isn’t indicative of tomorrow. Your internal emotions and thoughts can change from day to day so tracking your experiences through journaling or keeping a mood diary can help to remember this. If you were unsuccessful at getting out of bed or accomplishing your goals today, remember that you haven’t lost tomorrow’s opportunity to try again. Learn to give yourself the grace to accept that while some days will be difficult, some days will also be less difficult. Try to look forward to tomorrow’s fresh start.
Express yourself. Your creativity and sense of fun may seem blocked when you're depressed but it can help to do things that get your creative juices flowing. You could choose to paint, draw, or doodle, sew, cook, or bake, write, dance, or compose music, chat with a friend or play with a pet. Find something to laugh about. Watch a funny movie. Do things you can enjoy, even a little. That helps turn depression around. Listening to music, trying something new or spending time in nature could help you as well.
Try your best to notice the good things. Depression affects a person's view of things making it seem dismal, negative and hopeless. To shift your view, make it a goal to notice 3 good things everyday.
Don't dwell on your problems. It can feel good to talk through a problem with a caring friend but depression can lead people to complain, blame, and rehash problems too much, it can keep you focused on what's wrong. It's OK to air your thoughts and feelings with people who care but don't let problems be all you talk about. Talk about some good things too. Try to turn your negative thoughts into more positive ones. This can help your mood become more positive.
Assess your diet as what you put into your body can have a real and significant impact on the way you feel. Some people also feel better and have more energy when they avoid sugar, preservatives, and processed foods. If you have the means, consider meeting with a doctor or registered dietitian for guidance. Eating a diet rich in lean meats, vegetables, and grains may be a great place to start. Try to limit stimulants such as caffeine, coffee, and soda, and depressants such as alcohol.
Consider limiting drugs. Get enough sleep and also if anything persists, consider getting clinical treatment by seeing a specialist.
Most of all, if you're going through depression, it's important to show yourself some kindness. It helps to know that you're not alone during a hard time. Learn to be patient with yourself as depression takes time to heal.
Thanks for being a part of this new series. Drop your questions and lifestyle topic suggestions in the comment section, let's make this a safe place for everyone as we stay tuned for the next part❤️
Check out the PART ONE of this series HERE
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