This post may contain affiliate links and/or it may have been a partnership. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Please view our Affiliates Disclaimer page for more details.
All through the winter, millions of people have been affected by the seasonal form of depression known as Seasonal Affective Disorder. You may even have felt that you have experienced it yourself. But as the days grew longer and brighter, while all those around you seemed to have shaken themselves out of their funk, you remain down in the dumps. Your life may be absolutely fine; you’re happy with your job, you love your partner and kids and you honestly couldn’t ask for more but the pervasive sadness that most people have shaken off by now has sunk in even deeper for you. You feel sluggish and lethargic, the thought of leaving the home fills you with dread and even the things that you used to love to bring you no joy. You know that you need emotional support and a personal pick me up, but you don’t relish the idea of resorting to antidepressant medication. Perhaps you’re afraid of the potential side effects or maybe you just don’t like the idea of being dependent upon medication. Here we’ll look at some natural and effective ways to battle the blues without needing to resort to medication…
Emotional Support Animals
You and your family have probably had more than one conversation about whether or not you’re ready to take in a pet. Perhaps you decided not to because you were concerned about cost or the effort required to raise them, but animals can be an enormous source of emotional and mental support. Indeed, there are many who suffer from psychological and emotional conditions who rely on their Emotional Support Animals on a daily basis. To find out more about Emotional Support Animals (including how to get one) visit https://www.certapet.com/faq/how-to-get-an-emotional-support-animal/. The companionship and love an animal can give can massively abate the symptoms of a range of mental health issues. If you live alone, this can also help to prevent your symptoms from being exacerbated by loneliness.
Exercise
Sorry, but it’s kind of non-negotiable. Exercise is great for combatting a range of emotional and psychological issues from depression and anxiety to stress. Not only does working out release natural antidepressants like endorphins and dopamine, it also helps your brain to rewire itself in positive ways. As you progress it also gives you a newfound sense of confidence and pride in your new leaner, fitter body. Of course, when you’re at your lowest, it can be incredibly difficult to even leave the house to go to the store, much less hit the gym. The trick is to find a form of exercise that genuinely interests and excites you. You don’t have to sweat away alone on a treadmill. You can try a dance class, a spin class, yoga, boxing, martial arts, pilates, calisthenics, the possibilities are limitless.
Healthy eating
You may not realize it, but the sluggishness that prevents you from cooking your own food and leads you to resort to a string of ready meals and take outs is probably exacerbating your blues. Load up on these natural antidepressants and feel the fog lift;
- Oats
- Flaxseeds
- Chia
- Avocado
- Sweet potatoes
- Quinoa
- Hemp
- Walnuts
Moreover, the act of cooking will help to provide routine and purpose which will distract you from your ailments.
If you feel like your way of life is compromised by the blues, you don’t have to suffer in silence, nor do you need to rely on pills.