Dealing with depression is difficult, especially if you aren’t interested in therapy sessions or taking anti-depressants (and that’s okay). Remember, not everyone experiences the same symptoms, and levels of depression vary from person to person. Despite that, there are ways you can fight depression.
In 2018 alone, more than 1.7 million Veterans reported experiencing mental health issues.
Fortunately, there are several different ways to battle depression — That’s why knowing what activities have a positive effect on your mental health is essential to improving your mood.
Here are five ways you can fight depression.
Exercise
Yes, exercising is on the list. Some people love working out, others hate it, but it can’t be as bad as boot camp, right?
When you exercise, your body releases chemicals such as endorphins and serotonin that help improve your mood. Making exercise as part of your daily routine (even for 30 minutes) will help you fight your depression.
Enjoy the Outdoors
Breathe in the fresh air and enjoy everything nature has to offer! Getting under the sun increases Vitamin D levels in your body, which beneficial in so many ways, such as:
- boost your mood
- decrease your stress levels
- lower your blood pressure
- reduces symptoms of depression
Find a Creative Outlet
Whether it’s painting, drawing, playing an instrument, or taking up any other form of art — getting your creative juices flowing is a healthy form of expression.
Research shows that finding a creative outlet is a great way to reduce depression. So if this is something you’ve never tried, it’s worth a shot!
Meditate
Imagine being able to clear your mind from all your worries… Meditation can help you do just that! Research shows that meditating changes your brain and the way your mind responds to stress and anxiety.
Experts say that meditation works best when it’s practiced daily — So start out by meditating just 5 minutes a day, and you’ll be surprised with how much better your day begins!
Socialize
Nothing is better than surrounding yourself with people you care about the most. Having a great support system is essential to getting through depression, whether it’s just being in their presence, doing something fun, or just venting — socializing is always great!
