Depression symptoms are very difficult to handle for the vast number of people that suffer from it. Depression can make you feel tired, worthless, despondent, achy, and in the worst cases even desperate. Overcoming these horrific symptoms of depression is a must, and fortunately there are a number of ways to do so. Nobody has to live with depression symptoms, and not everyone has to take a pill to overcome them and get their health back. Here are ten ways to beat depression symptoms right away, and get back to the happy side of life:
1. Take a nice long walk - Walking has been proven to be a great way to combat depression symptoms as it gets your adrenaline flowing and your mind busy. Get out and walk around the block a time or two or visit a local park to stroll. The exercise will do your mind and your depression good.
2. Talk things over with someone who also has depression - Many people that suffer from depression have a feeling of being totally alone. The best way to combat this depression symptom is to prove it wrong. Online support sites, and local gatherings for depression sufferers are filled to overflowing with people in your shoes.
3. Meditate - Many people misunderstand meditation as being some Monk on a hill in Tibet. The truth is, you can meditate in the middle of a board meeting if needed. All you need is the powers inside your own mind. Get a great book on meditation today and learn the power of becoming one with your spirit.
4. Play with your kids - Children are a wonderful source of happiness and a carefree attitude and it is very contagious. If you sit down to play house with your toddlers, you will quickly find that they have some insights on life that we all could learn from. The playful spirit will help to lift your mood quickly and efficiently.
5. Play with your pets - Much of what is said of kids above is also true of your pets. Get on the floor and roll around a little to really ramp up the fun and playful spirit needed to take down those depression symptoms. Your mental health will love you for it.
6. Go to an arcade and play some games - Something about getting out and playing games brings us back to what used to be important in life. Putt putt, video games, batting cages, bumper boats, and any other fun activities are sure fire depression symptom killers.
7. Contact an old friend that you lost contact with - Finding pieces of our past can make our realities much richer. Sometimes just talking to an old middle school friend or high school buddy can make our lives seem more complete and full. Get on classmates.com or reunion.com and reconnect with an old friend.
8. Plan a party or vacation - Having something to look forward to is important. Plan a special party for no good reason or a vacation that you really want to go on to get those hopeful feelings rolling. Never leave yourself without something to look forward to. If you have nothing planned, then change that situation. If money stops you, then plan a picnic or other budget friendly outing.
9. Open up the house - Something about a well lit home will lift depression symptoms quickly. Open the curtains in every window, and even open a window or two if weather permits. The fresh air and sunshine will help you to feel better in a snap.
10. Spend some time with God - If you are not a Christian, then spend some time with whomever you believe in. If you do not believe in a higher power, then ponder the universe. Connecting spiritually will help put depression and life in perspective. The power of the Lord is the strongest medicine you can take.
Image Credited To Wikipedia user Hendrike
This is a great article. Americans are filled with stress and that stress causes them to fall into a depressive state due to their lack of control over the stress. These feelings are unfortunately more common than one would think. Did you know that we are so stressed in the US that this past Thursday was “National Stress Awareness Day”? That could be a good thing if it advocates more study on the subject…or it could be a sign of how commonplace we feel being stressed out.
Either way, mediation is an incredibly efficient practice to handling stress and depression. It allows you to focus in the moment by focusing on your breathing. Regular practice of mediation also makes you a more calm, compassionate, and grounded person. The benefits of meditation are multiple to both the mind and the body.
All the best to you,
Sonia Gallagher
Comment by Sonia Gallagher — April 18, 2009 @ 8:34 pm