Self Care Tips To Combat Depression

Everyone deals with depression in different ways especially in the world of today. Some try to handle it by themselves while others get help. There are definitely some things you can do for yourself that could help alleviate depression. Below are nine self care tips you can try.

1. Smile

The act of smiling releases chemicals in your brain to make you want to smile even more. Smiling is contagious just like a yawn. Practice smiling in front of a mirror, you will be surprised how good you feel afterwards. Try smiling in public, because chances are, there will be people who will smile back making you feel even better.

2. Physical Activity

Sometimes the simplest solutions are the most effective. Time and time again studies have shown that regular rigorous exercise is one of the best ways to fight depression. Exercise releases endorphins which are natural feel good chemicals in the body. Seeing physical changes in our body after a hard workout is a great mood booster and as well, it is really no downside to getting a little exercise done. You are pretty much guaranteed to feel good afterwards.

3. Reconnect With A Friend

Even if you have no desire to get out and talk to people you should probably at least make an effort. Researchers have looked at the most effective strategies for dealing with depression and actively participating in your own social life is a very beneficial tactic. Humans are social animals, therefore, we actually need a community of some kind to belong to.

Self Care Tips that you might want to try.

4. Eating Comfort Food

Eating certain foods that you love can have a strong effect on combating depression. You might be surprised that there are antidepressant qualities in chocolate, as an example, which has serotonin boosting qualities. However, there can always be too much of a good thing, so practice moderation when it comes to eating your favourite comfort foods. (Comment below and let us know what your favourite food is.)

5. Yoga

A few different Studies have examined how yoga can help with depression and they’ve come to the conclusion that it can be very effective. Some say that yoga is just another form of exercise. But in truth it is more than that. Many people describe yoga as a kind of meditation in motion. It can be spiritual in nature and it can also be very introspective. The results speak for themselves.

6. Journaling

You might be surprised at how big of an impact it can have. Many studies have proven that journaling is a way to fight depression and the results are very promising. Journaling forces you to reflect and it helps you get things off your chest even if you’re just admitting things to yourself.

Self Care Tips that you might want to try.

7. Humor

You have heard that laughter is the best medicine. This might not be too far from the truth. Humor is actually a great way to deal with depression. Watch a funny movie, see a stand-up comedian or do whatever makes you laugh. Laughter releases endorphins and decreases stress hormones among many other benefits.

8. Meditation

Meditation might just be one of the oldest self care tips in history. People have been meditating for thousands of years and the effects of this practice are well documented. The aim of meditation is to obtain inner peace which makes it a perfect strategy for combating depression. One of the most popular methods for dealing with depression these days is mindfulness which is a type of meditation which focuses on awareness of the body and mind in the present moment. Numerous Studies have examined the effects of this on depression and it has proven to be quite effective. Put simply it gives us greater appreciation of our own lives.

9. Massage Therapy

It is always good to treat yourself to a nice massage but if you’re trying to pursue a lifestyle of self care, then you might want to seriously consider massage therapy. We left this self care tip to the end because massage therapy is only loosely linked with decreased depressive symptoms but it can decrease stress levels and make you feel so much more relaxed, allowing you to put to practice the other self care tips.

Disclaimer

Please note that the information provided in this article is for informational purposes only. This information is not advice and should not be treated as medical advice.

You must not rely on the information as an alternative to advice from your medical professional or healthcare provider. 

Content has been adapted from |10 Easy Self Care Tips for Depression | Psych2Go | Creative Commons CC BY license.

POSITIVE PROGRAMMING YOUTUBE CHANNEL PROVIDES POSITIVE, MOTIVATIONAL AND INSPIRATIONAL CONTENT

Follow Us

Quote Of The Day

“Permanence, perseverance and persistence in spite of all obstacles, discouragements, and impossibilities: It is this, that in all things distinguishes the strong soul from the weak.”

— Thomas Carlyle

Disclaimer

Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and complete a purchase.

Subscribe

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This