When you are depressed, it may seem as though there is no light at the end of the tunnel. Alongside common treatments for depression, there are things you can do to help yourself feel better in the moment. When you are feeling depressed or anxious, the idea that you can feel better seems far-fetched, particularly because it can take some time for the usual treatments for depression, such as talk therapy or medication, to effectively start working. Trying to feel better by drinking, dwelling on your feelings, or hoping depression or anxiety goes away on its own may cause the symptoms to get worse.
In an exclusive interaction with OnlyMyHealth editorial team, Ankit Puri, Social Activist & Social Worker, Author of My Life In wRaps, shares 10 ways to better your mood and depressing thoughts. Here is what he told us.
10 Ways To Manage Anxiety And Depression
When you are depressed, it may seem as though there is nothing that you can do. Feeling low sometimes is a normal part of life, but when emotions such as hopelessness and despair set in and simply do not let up, you may be experiencing depression. This feeling of hopelessness may also be coupled with feelings of guilt or remorse. You may still feel depressed while you are anxious, even if the anxiety produces symptoms that do not seem as drab and drowsy as jitters, such as twitching, racing heart, sweaty, fast breathing, and difficulty paying attention. Here are some ways to make yourself feel better.
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1. Exercise
Exercising or any type of physical activity may also help prevent depression and anxiety from returning when you are feeling better. Research about depression, anxiety, and exercise suggests the psychological and physical benefits of exercise may help boost your mood as well as decrease anxiety.
2. Lifestyle changes
Lifestyle changes such as making art, journaling, or mindfulness, may also alleviate depression and stress.
3. Diet changes
Changes in the diet can boost your mood by reducing inflammation and helping ensure your brain gets the nutrients it needs to work optimally.
4. Therapy
Therapy can help you learn about the ways depressed feelings impact your functioning. By understanding causes and acknowledging the various symptoms and types of depression, you can take the first steps toward feeling better and moving past your depression.
5. Take a walk
Perhaps a brisk walk can lighten your mood. Walking is just like any other form of exercise. It releases endorphins, which are happy hormones. You can walk on a treadmill, but being in nature is always better.
6. Listen to soothing music
Brainwave entrainment is a method to stimulate the brain to enter into a specific state. Hence, tune on to some soothing music to get into a happy and/or calm mood.
7. Light a scented candle
Scented candles can help one feel calm. Choose lavender, an easily available option that can help soothe frayed nerves..
8. Try Progressive Muscle Relaxation
It is used to control depression, stress, anxiety and could even treat insomnia. If you don’t know how to do it, try finding a video tutorial on YouTube.
9. Avoid eating junk food
There are many studies published by different universities like Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and the University of Granada that suggest eating junk food is linked to an increase in depression.
10. Practice yoga & meditation
Yoga and meditation have naturally helped people heal even when medications were not working completely.
All these tips may help make you feel lighter. But if you are struggling the majority of your days and do not feel any improvement, you may benefit from reaching out to a professional who can adequately treat your depression.