How to Fight Depression And Have Lots of Energy.

Here are some ideas for things to do the next time you find yourself in a bad mood, sad, depressed or just down for whatever reason.

Life has a way of getting to all of us at times. No one can be on a high 100% of the time. It is the natural course of our being to have ups and downs. It is the reason we need sleep at night and to take a vacation from our work. There are times when we are down and we can't seem to get out of our funk. We don't just need food or sleep to lift our spirits. Sometimes we need more to get out of a bad mood. It is for those times I will try to give you some ideas as well as discussing the importance of diet, rest and exercise.

Maybe we need to call a good friend or family member. It is amazing what a good talk can do for our mood. "Misery loves company". You don't really want your friend to feel bad you just want to share your pain, cry on someone's shoulder and hopefully feel better.

Eating something sweet can often make us feel better. It triggers warm feelings from our childhood and in the case of chocolate it actually helps our body to release some endorphins. Just try not to binge or you may find yourself in an entire other bad mood!!!!

Keep some fresh flowers in your home. Potted plants actually clean the air.

Go outside and change your scenery. If it is sunny our bodies will react positively to the sun's rays and release endorphins.

Sometimes we just need hydration and a glass of cold water or better yet some sweet tea, more reminders of our childhood!!

Take a walk. Notice the world around you. Really take in your scenery, Have you ever looked at the wreaths on your neighbor's door as you walk or the flowers they have planted. Pet a dog. Pets can lower your blood pressure and slow your pulse.

Are you putting off something you have been dreading? Maybe you need to jump in and get started with whatever it is. It amazes me how much better I feel when I accomplish something I have been putting off. Don't try to tackle too much at once. Bite off small chunks. Enough to make your task feel less daunting and to feel like you are headed in the right direction.

Close yourself in your room and watch a favorite movie. Everyone has a feel good movie. Try to start a list of them to keep near by for the next time you are feeling blue. Sometimes when we are depressed it takes too much energy even to think of what to do so if you have your favorite movie list already by your bed you know just where to go.

Do the same with favorite books. Keep some favorites near by.

I love to garden when I feel down. I don't know what it is about dirt and plants but nothing can make me feel more alive than planting and digging. It is equally as fun to get the scissors and a basket and bring in a bouquet to arrange.

Don't expect too much of yourself when you are feeling low. It is a human experience and beating yourself up for your feelings will just make it worse.

Try to get regular sleep and exercise 2 or 3 times a week. Equally as important is eating a healthy diet and getting the correct nutrients. Your mind is an organ just like your heart or lungs and needs to be cared for. Your brain will thank you with a good mood when you are living well.

Try turning on some music. We often don't think about this but I have clearly seen my granddaughter's mood change when I turn on some happy music and dance with her.

Is something bothering you? The best thing I do for my fears and worries is to pray. It is my way of telling my good friend God about my concerns. Once I have released them to Him I feel as though a weight has been lifted from me because I know I am loved and God cares for my worries. Being able to release concerns to God may take some practice but it works.Give it a try.

Take a long bath. Again you are triggering feel good hormones or endorphins, lowering your blood pressure and lowering your pulse.

Keep a thankfulness journal. It is amazing how good we can feel when we begin to take note and write down what we have to be grateful for. You will probably find you have less to feel bummed about than you thought and more to be thankful for.

I hope some of these work for you. Please share with me some of the things you do when you are feeling low.

All of us have down times and it is for those times the above ideas should help. According to the National Institute of Mental Health it is when our bad moods go on for days and even weeks at a time and begin to interfere with our day to day activities and even interfere with our relationships that we need to seek the help of a medical professional for help.

For times when our sadness won't lift we may be facing something an antidepressant may be needed to help. There is no reason to feel ashamed or weak because we need the help of others. Depression is real and can be easily treated once help is sought. The longer you wait to seek help the longer it may take to start feeling better. You owe it to yourself and your family to be in touch with your mental health as well as your physical health.

If you or a friend considers suicide even casually always take it seriously and seek help.

Major depression is actually more common than you may realize. One in four Americans will suffer from a major depressive illness at some time during their life.

Depression is also the most common cause for disability in the US and Canada among adults aged 15 to 44. For this reason alone we need to take our health seriously and the health of those around us.

Did you know you can actually keep some foods on hand to help with your mood. First be sure you are getting at least 3 servings of protein a day. This will help you maintain a steady mood.

Foods to have on hand for down times include

Dark Chocolate

Popcorn

Deli turkey

eggs

oatmeal

fruit

whole grains like crackers and whole wheat bread

Peanut butter

cottage cheese

Nuts

Prewashed veggies.

Seasonal affective disorder is another problem for winter months and especially those of us that live in more northern climates. For winter months put higher watt light bulbs in your light fixtures and sit near them.

Eat the high serotonin diet as described above.

People suffering from SAD may not be making enough serotonin to turn into Melatonin the sleep hormone.If you are having trouble sleeping consider using up to 3 mg. Melatonin to help you sleep at night. Otherwise consult your physician.

Get regular exercise.

Bad moods are common among all of us. There are many small things we can do to help . Know yourself well enough to know if you are just in a funk or really need help with depression.

NIMH

Web MD