Allow yourself to be less than perfect:<\/strong><\/p>\nMany depressed people are perfectionists, holding themselves to impossibly high standards and then beating themselves up when they fail to meet them. Battle this source of self-imposed stress by challenging your negative ways of thinking.<\/p>\n
Socialize with positive people:<\/b><\/p>\n
Notice how people who always look on the bright side deal with challenges, even minor ones, like not being able to find a parking space. Then consider how you would react in the same situation. Even if you have to pretend, try to adopt their optimism and persistence in the face of difficulty.<\/p>\n
3. TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF<\/b><\/p>\n
In order to overcome depression, you have to take care of yourself. This includes following a healthy lifestyle, learning to manage stress, setting limits on what you\u2019re able to do, adopting healthy habits, and scheduling fun activities into your day.<\/p>\n
Aim for eight hours of sleep. Depression typically involves sleep problems. Whether you\u2019re sleeping too little or too much, your mood suffers. Get on a better sleep schedule by learning healthy sleep habits.<\/p>\n
Expose yourself to a little sunlight every day. Lack of sunlight can make depression worse. Make sure you\u2019re getting enough. Take a short walk outdoors, have your coffee outside, enjoy an al fresco meal, people-watch on a park bench, or sit out in the garden. Aim for at least 15 minutes of sunlight a day to boost your mood. If you live somewhere with little sunshine, try using a light therapy box.<\/p>\n
Keep stress in check. Not only does stress prolong and worsen depression, but it can also trigger it.\u00a0 Figure out all the things in your life that stress you out. Examples include: work overload, unsupportive relationships, taking on too much or health problems. Once you\u2019ve identified your stressors, you can make a plan to avoid them or minimise their impact.<\/p>\n
Practice relaxation techniques. A daily relaxation practice can help relieve symptoms of depression, reduce stress, and boost feelings of joy and well-being. Try yoga, deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or meditation.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Do things you enjoy (or used to). <\/b><\/p>\n
While you can\u2019t force yourself to have fun or experience pleasure, you can choose to do things that you used to enjoy. Pick up a former hobby or a sport you used to like. Express through music, art, or writing. Go out with friends. Take a day trip to a museum, the mountains, or the ballpark.<\/p>\n
Push yourself to do things, even when you don\u2019t feel like it. You might be surprised at how much better you feel once you\u2019re out in the world. Even if your depression doesn\u2019t lift immediately, you\u2019ll gradually feel more upbeat and energetic as you make time for fun activities.<\/p>\n
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4. EXERCISE MORE<\/b><\/p>\n
When you\u2019re depressed, exercising may be the last thing you feel like doing. But exercise is a powerful tool for dealing with depression. In fact, studies show that regular exercise can be as effective as antidepressant medication at increasing energy levels and decreasing feelings of fatigue.<\/p>\n
Scientists haven\u2019t figured out exactly why exercise is such a potent antidepressant, but evidence suggests that physical activity triggers new cell growth in the brain, increases mood-enhancing neurotransmitters and endorphins, reduces stress, and relieves muscle tension\u2014all things that can have a positive effect on depression.<\/p>\n
To gain the most benefits, aim for 30 minutes of exercise per day. You can start small, though, as short 10-minute bursts of activity can have a positive effect on your mood. Here are a few easy ways to get moving:<\/p>\n
Take the stairs rather than the elevator.<\/p>\n
Park your car in the farthest spot in the lot.<\/p>\n
Take your dog for a walk.<\/p>\n
Pair up with an exercise partner.<\/p>\n
Walk while you\u2019re talking on the phone.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
As a next step, try incorporating walks or some other enjoyable easy form of exercise into your daily routine. The key is to pick an activity you enjoy, so you\u2019re more likely to keep up with it.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
5. KNOW WHEN TO GET PROFESSIONAL HELP<\/b><\/p>\n
If you find your depression getting worse and worse, seek professional help. Needing additional help doesn\u2019t mean you\u2019re weak. Sometimes the negative thinking in depression can make you feel like you\u2019re a lost cause, but depression can be treated and you can feel better!<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t forget about these self-help tips, though. Even if you\u2019re receiving professional help, these tips can be part of your treatment plan, speeding your recovery and preventing depression from returning.<\/p>\n
Drama\u00a0<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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