Archives for August 2015

Everyone knows that exercise is good for you. When you were a child, you were told to go play in the sunshine and it will make you feel better. Exercise is not just physically good, but it is also mentally and emotionally good for you. For those suffering from depression, anxiety, and other various disorders, there are several forms of exercise that are actually better for you to take part in.

Reduce Stress, Anxiety, and Tension
Take a ride around the neighborhood on your bike. Taking a twenty-minute bicycle ride can help reduce stress, anxiety, and tension. It won’t solve your problems, but the peace and solitude of a bike ride will give you time to reflect and empty your mind of negativity plus you get a great cardio workout at the same time. If bike riding isn’t your thing, try swimming or taking the dog for a walk. The idea is to do something that gets you moving and lets your mind unwind.

Better Sleep
When you are depressed or stressed, you don’t sleep well and not sleeping well just makes things worse. Try the relaxation techniques of yoga before bedtime. The meditative techniques of yoga will allow you to get a short burst short of physical exercise and give your mind the quiet time it needs. If you don’t want to exercise before bedtime, try some stretching exercises in the morning before you get ready for the day. What is important is that you are getting short bursts of exercise that will allow your stress and feelings of sadness to slide away for a bit.

Pump up the Endorphins
Increasing the production of endorphins by taking a nature hike will not only make you feel better physically, but it will also allow your mind a chance to focus and relax. Focus and relaxation will reduce your stress and anxiety. Don’t like nature? That’s okay, try a game of tennis or brisk walk around the mall. No matter what you choose as long as it has you moving and feeling relaxed, you are on the right track.

Exercise is not just for your heart, but for mind as well. By improving your physical health, you are making changes to your self-image and building your self-confidence. These changes are necessary for your emotional well-being. Bear in mind that while exercise helps with depression and anxiety by itself it is not a cure.

It is well-known that when you are depressed you eat. So, why not eat foods that will help you to overcome depression and ease stress?

Turkey
Eat more turkey. Turkey contains a chemical called tryptophan. Tryptophan increases serotonin levels which gives a natural feeling of over-all wellness. Small amounts of tryptophan can lessen irritability. It also helps you to sleep and better sleep helps with depression as well. Turkey also contains dopamine which helps you feel motivated.

Walnuts
Nuts are a great source of protein and mono-saturated fats, but the walnut goes even further in helping with depression. Walnuts contain omega-3 fatty acids which contribute to brain health by improving cognitive function and even reducing memory loss.

Tuna
Fatty fish like tuna contain omega-3 fatty acid. This essential acid cannot be produced by the body naturally. Eating a healthy diet that regularly contains tuna will keep your brain functioning well. It also helps with circulation and helps to reduce inflammation.

Skim Milk
Low-fat dairy products like skim milk help in the fight against depression. The calcium, vitamin D, and peptides bring about a sense of well-being and promote relaxation.

Oatmeal
The complex carbohydrates in oatmeal do wonders in battling depression. They help your mood improve quickly through the production of serotonin. As an added bonus, oatmeal also has antioxidant properties.

Green Tea
Green tea is filled with antioxidants and the chemical theanine. Theanine helps to relieve stress and tension which in turn helps to ease the symptoms of depression. Two cups of green tea a day will boost your brain’s ability to fight depression. It does contain caffeine.

Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate aids in the production of serotonin. It helps to lower blood pressure which produces a calming effect on your body. Now, this by no means implies that you should sit down with a box of chocolate and eat all of it in one sitting. You should still practice moderation.

Consuming these depression-fighting foods is not a cure. If you or someone you know are suffering from depression, seek professional help as well.