Depression can rob you of your motivation and joy. But there are habits you can adopt and natural ways to help you fight your depression.
Continue reading to learn more about natural remedies that can ease depression.
Exercise
Getting regular exercise can be of great benefit if you struggle with depression. In addition to the whole-body benefits exercise offers, it is also good for your brain. Exercise increases the production of endorphins and can help your brain rewire itself to function more healthily.
Duke University researchers concluded that getting half an hour of moderate aerobic exercise three times a week can be just as effective as antidepressant medication.
The same study also revealed that depression was less likely to reoccur in the participants who continued with the exercise plan after the trial ended.
Meditation
Meditation is a relaxation technique designed to calm your mind by focusing on your breathing, a word, or a mantra instead of your thoughts. Meditation has been proven to decrease stress, anxiety, and depression.
The goal of meditation and other mindfulness exercises is to get you to focus on the current moment rather than the past or future. This can free you from waves of unpleasant memories and thought spirals plaguing your mind.
Guided imagery therapy
In guided imagery therapy, which is a type of meditation, you are supposed to visualize a goal in as much detail as possible. This method harnesses the power of positivity and uses it to help you work toward a specific goal, such as happiness.
Music therapy
Music therapy is another way to brighten your mood. It can involve listening to positive, relaxing music or singing as a type of therapy.
A study found that guided imagery therapy and both types of music therapy can help lower stress levels and lift your mood.
SAM-e
S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM-e) is a naturally-occurring chemical in your body that has many functions, such as brain and liver function. The research is inconclusive, but studies have shown that SAM-e can help alleviate depression.
You can buy SAM-e in the form of dietary supplement pills.
However, it is important to note that if you deal with depressive episodes due to bipolar disorder or manic depression, you should not take SAM-e because it can trigger a hypomanic/manic episode.
Keep in mind that these methods can be useful whether you are not currently in therapy or on medication or if you are receiving treatment but find yourself struggling between appointments.
