Ways you can help to overcome depression naturally
Depression is a serious condition that requires a doctor’s treatment. However the following lifestyle changes may give you a boost if you are feeling low.
Try to spend at least an hour a week with a close friend…
In a British study, when 86 depressed women were paired with a volunteer friend, 65 percent of the women felt better. In fact, regular social contact worked as effectively as antidepressant medication and psychotherapy. Regular social contact with a close friend may help boost self-confidence and encourage you to make other positive changes that will help in overcoming depression, such as starting an exercise program.
Play with a pet for a few minutes every day…
In a University study in Missouri, when non-pet owners played with a dog for just a few minutes a day blood levels of the brain chemicals serotonin and oxytocin, both mood elevators, rose. Science has already proven the surprising health benefits of having a pet, but you don’t have to own a dog to experience these feel-good effects for overcoming depression (although dogs are great antidotes to the kind of chronic stress that can result in depression). Pet your neighbours dog for a few minutes a day or volunteer at an animal shelter to get your furry friend therapy.
Try and have a 12-minute massage 3 times a week…
Whether you see a professional or ask a spouse or friend to rub your back, the result is the same, it is a natural mood boost. In a study of depressed dialysis patients, the participants who received a 12-minute massage three times a week were less depressed than those who didn’t get the soothing rub. In another study 84 depressed pregnant women found those who received two 20-minute massages a week from their partners reduced their incidence of depression by 70 percent. Researchers think that massage boosts serotonin levels (which jumped 17 percent in the women who received twice-weekly massages) and reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol, both equally helpful results when overcoming depression.
Drink 2 cups of tea or coffee every morning…
