Are you Depressed?

Let’s face it, for most of us depression is part of the “anxiety package.”

This is no surprise given all the emotional ups and downs that anxiety yanks from our souls.

I guess that’s just part of living an anxious life.

But, because anxiety and depression tend to come joined at the hip, it’s not something you can – or should – ignore.  Like anxiety, depression can affect your thinking, self-esteem, and of course your health.

So today, I want to give you five easy tips to help you break out of that melancholy mood that swallows you up every now and then.

So, with that said, let’s take a look at the list.

1. Get some sunshine. Do you get enough sunlight? Not getting enough is problematic since a lack of sunlight can release excessive amounts of a hormone called melatonin, which is known to kick start episodes of depression. In addition, you could also be missing out on other important elements, like vitamin D, for example.

Darkness just brings the worst out in some of us; that’s why more people suffer bouts of depression in the winter (seasonal affective disorder), so get outside for a walk, have lunch outside, or buy a Light Box. But, whatever you do, make sure you get some ray’s.

2. Get busy. If the economy is putting a cramp in your style don’t worry about it. You don’t need tons of money to be active. Read books, exercise, volunteer, or do something you love and get really good at it.

You should also set goals in your life and strive to achieve them. You don’t have to become a brain surgeon, but we all need something to look forward to. Goals help you to be upbeat about the future and shake off the pessimism of depression.

3. Relax. You need down time. It could be a 5 minute moment of silence in the morning after you wake up, relaxing music, jumping in the tub, whatever it is; you need to give yourself some time to reflect and be still.

4. Watch the menu. Make sure you eat a healthy diet. Eating fast food, and chugging down 2 liters will do wonders for your taste buds, but they also kill your sense of well being.

You also need to stay away from sugar, caffeine and alcohol. These things are also tasty but have a huge downside. In the end, they only aggravate depression so beware.

5. Get a life. You need to get a social life if you don’t have one. Be close to your loved ones, hang out with your friends, do things with other people.

When you talk to people pay attention and get tuned in… open up some and give out smiles and hugs with reckless abandon. I’ve been caught up in no man’s land lately myself. So I’ve resolved to reconnect with friends and strangers alike.  I realize that I’ve been too concerned with things that don’t matter. No one is perfect, I think we all do this, but we can always do something about it.

Remember that human beings are incredibly social creatures; we need to be connected with others or else depression, irritability, and anger can grab a hold and not let go.

Now, give those 5 tips a try and see if they can’t ease your depression. Obviously, you want to try these tips out in conjunction with whatever else your doing – including medications – to beat depression.

Just keep in mind that anxiety and depression are fierce and you need to be ready to throw the kitchen sink at them both.

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