9 Top Tips to Keep Depression Away & Stay Happy
By Orla, June 13, 2013
- Get Enough Sleep
It may seem obvious but lack of sleep really does contribute to being in a bad mood. Just as you physically need time to rest, your brain also needs time to recuperate and repair itself, and it does this while you sleep.
Eight hours of sleep a night is plenty of time for your brain to recharge and ensure you start the day on the right note.
- Drink Lots of Water
Keeping hydrated is really important for staying happy and healthy. Dehydration can leads to lethargy and can leave you irritable and unhappy.
2.2 litres of natural mineral water for women, and 3 litres of natural mineral water for men a day will leave you hydrated and healthy, and improve your mood.
- Exercise Regularly
Exercise can do wonders for your mood and well-being. When you exercise, your body releases endorphins – these are chemicals that make you feel happier, as well as fitter.
You don’t need to sign up to a pricey gym to get your daily fill of exercise, all you need is 30 minutes of exercise. This can be broken into 3 sets of 10 minutes throughout the day, even exercises as simple as walking will help boost your mood.
- Eat Fruit and Vegetables
Fruit and veggies are packed full of nutrients and minerals that can really make a difference when trying to combat depression. These nutrients and minerals nourish the brain and help it function as best as it can.
Avoid eating too many sugary foods and remember – a healthy brain is a happy brain.
- Meditation
Meditation will help relax you and settle your mind which will in turn, help to improve your mood. Put 30 minutes aside each day to meditate and relax and clear your head.
- Keep a Diary
Different studies have shown that writing down your emotions in a diary can be very therapeutic and can help you face your depression head on. It can be a great outlet and a great way of getting your worries off your chest, and you can be as honest as you like because the diary is for your eyes only.
- Talk to Friends & Family
If writing isn’t for you, it really is a good idea to talk to your friends and family about what you’re going through. Remember no-one is there to judge you and they will be there to help you through it if they understand what you are feeling. Many say it feels as though a weight has been lifted off their shoulders after they share their feelings.
- Vitamin D and Omega 3
Vitamin D and Omega 3 are known for helping the brain, it can be a good idea to take supplements to ensure you get your daily dosage. You will feel a difference in your mood if you stick with it and get an ample source of them everyday.
- Remain Positive and Thankful
We know it is easier said than done, but really make an effort to be thankful for what you have. Even just saying one thing a day that you’re thankful for, instead of feeling down about what is wrong in your life can improve your mood.
Hopefully over time, you can begin to put a smile on your face by thinking about all the good and positive things you have to be thankful for.
