Medically reviewed by Dr. Riaz Ali Shah.
In today’s world, depression is the one mental health disorder that has become extremely prevalent. Whether it’s because of social media or the rat race life that we have chosen for ourselves, depression can come to anyone and at any time.
Therefore, whether it’s just a depressive episode that you have encountered, or are suffering from clinical depression, you can make the dopamine start gushing back again by doing these things!
Bend it like Beckham
For a person suffering from depression, exercise will not even pass by as a remedy. But, as hard as it is to digest it and get your dead-inside-self up, exercise can do wonders! Join a yoga class, go for zumba or go to the gym to do some weight lifting. Whatever it is, trust me, it will make you feel a thousand times better!
Take a walk to remember
Cognitive behavioral therapy or CBT is a wonderful way of treating mental health disorders without having to take medicines. And amongst all the behavioral tips that your therapist will ask you to follow, it’s not possible that they don’t suggest you to brisk walk in a park or anywhere close to Mother Nature. The reason is simple. Brisk walking is the easiest cardio and will make you feel at peace as soon as you become regular at it by releasing more happy hormones than ever!
Start chasing sleep
Sleep deprivation or insomnia is a norm for those suffering from Clinical Depression. No matter what you do, you just can’t sleep! This is the sole reason why antidepressants are such a hit! However, if you take a lot of caffeine and are also sleeping throughout the day to cover up for sleeplessness at night, omit that as sometimes, it’s the lack of sleep that causes you to have depressive episodes.
But, if making these lifestyle changes isn’t helping you either, go to your therapist ASAP.
Race the sun
Research suggests that vitamin D deficiency is linked to depression, especially the seasonal one. Not just that, one of the happy hormones ‘serotonin’ is also present in sunlight thereby improving the overall mood.
Therefore, morning sun should be your priority if you don’t want to live the rest of your life on antidepressants.
Ditch the Chocolate Pie
It’d not be an exaggeration if I tell you that healthy eating has an impact on improving your mental health. Incorporating certain mood boosting foods in your diet like egg, fruits, leafy vegetables, liver and lean meats can help improve the symptoms of depression to a great deal.
To sum it up
Depression is a serious mental health disorder that can only be cured once you seek professional help. And according to psychologists, incorporating some changes in your life can go a long way. And by following the tips mentioned above, a depressed individual can surely find their symptoms getting better.
Guest Credits: Maleeha Syed
