Most of us experience a certain level of depression at some points in our lives. Although our lives are filled with happiness, achievement, joy, and love, it is also filled with loss, failure, hardships, loneliness, and stress. Being depressed makes you feel helpless. This stress when considered positive improves the inner strength and sharpens our skills.
Although depression can be treated, there are some forms of depression such as clinical depression that is a very serious medical condition. There are some different levels and types of clinical depression. Clinical depression is a serious illness that has negative effects on how you act, think, and feel, and may prolong for weeks, months, and even years sometimes. There are a few natural methods to treat clinical depression, and they are as follows.
7 Best Ways To Prevent Depression
Exercise
Exercise is good for both the mind and the body. Regular aerobic exercise is an excellent method to combat depression. Thirty minutes of continuous activity for at least five days a week improves your energy levels, health, sleep, and boosts self-confidence.
Since endorphins (pain-relieving hormones) are released when exercising, your mood improves naturally.
Reduce Caffeine Consumption
Having caffeinated beverages reduces serotonin (mood-enhancing hormone) levels in the body. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter and therefore, plays an important role in mood regulations.
It is suggested to avoid things, which reduces serotonin levels in the body. Avoid intake of alcohol since it acts as a depressant.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are the healthy oil found in salmon, flax seed, walnuts, and other foods, which help in boosting the mood.
Eating foods containing omega-3 fatty acids are considered healthy for the heart and also reduces depression. It is suggested to consume foods containing omega-3 fatty acids on a regular basis.
Healthy Diet
A healthy and balanced diet will help in improving your mood in several ways. Limit the consumption of foods rich in sugar and fat as they tend to reduce your energy levels and moods.
Having foods containing a high content of magnesium and vitamin B6 will help the body in producing the mood-enhancing chemicals (serotonin and dopamine). Foods rich in folic acid will help in improving the effectiveness of antidepressants. Folic acid is found in many vegetables, whole-wheat products, and beans.
Yoga And Meditation
Doing yoga and meditation daily relaxes your mind and helps you in finding inner peace and balance. Yoga and meditation help in controlling negative thinking, thereby, reducing the depression.
Doing yoga in early morning is always suggested as the morning is the best peaceful time to perform any act, which can reduce your repression.
Massage And Acupuncture
Massaging and acupuncture help in increasing the production of endorphins and serotonin. Massaging helps in blood circulation thereby relaxing the body. There are several studies based on which the healing power of touch has been proven.
Acupuncture involves inserting needles into specified points in the body thus stimulating the release of endorphins. It helps in blood circulation, which can lead the way to relieve your pain, thereby relaxing the body by reducing depression, and also influences the nervous systems. Acupuncture must be done only under the guidance of a professional.
Natural And Herbal Supplements
Studies reveal that some herbal and natural supplements significantly reduce depression. Herbal supplements which are very effective for treating depression symptoms are passion flower, rhodiola (roseroot), St. John’s wort, and ginkgo biloba. Studies reveal that the two naturally- occurring compounds (5-HTP and SAMe) are very effective in treating depression as compared to many prescribed antidepressants, thereby, making them two of the popular natural antidepressants available.
Caution: Please use Home Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.