Depression can be painful and overwhelming to deal with. While there is no one-size-fits-all treatment, we can include any of the following lifestyle enhancing changes below. They may lift your mood or give you a shift in how you experience the day. Just pick one or two to try and see how it goes.
Get physically active – It can be difficult to get going, but movement can propel you out of a stuck, heavy place. Just start moving; whether it is jumping into an exercise activity, dragging out the vacuum, or pulling weeds in the backyard. It is one of those things that truly helps shift the energy. Try it. See if it makes a difference.
Reach out and connect with others – Isolation can deepen a depression. And the truth is, that when we feel low connecting with others is often the last thing we want to do. But reaching out to others is like getting physically active; it really does help. Call someone on the phone or reach out to someone in your neighborhood or workplace.
Help somebody who is going through a hard time – We can get trapped in our own pain and suffering. And sometimes we really need to pay attention to it and do the work to heal our pain. Sometimes it helps to focus on someone else and what they are going through.
Eat well – It sounds simple and it makes sense. Eating healthy food just feels right. It’s a good thing to do. Make a decision to choose food that is good for your body, one meal at a time.
Get enough sleep – Do what you can to get a good night’s sleep. It can help to go to bed around the same time each night. Try to give plenty of time before going to bed to wind down, letting your mind and body settle down before turning out the lights.
Change your thinking – We’ve all heard, “change your thinking, change your life.” Current research suggests our thoughts greatly impact our mood. It sounds simplistic, but try it out. Practice thinking thoughts that make you feel good – on purpose.
Get Professional help if you need it – Sometimes depression can be too frightening or overwhelming to handle alone. Talking to an experienced therapist can start you on the path to positive and important change. Take a look at the “How therapy can help” page
