Depression is hard to describe, especially if you’re trying to describe it to someone who doesn’t know what it feels like. It’s a very complex mental health disorder that can affect anyone at any time during their life. Depression is anything but simple. Even though depression isn’t simple, there are some simple things you can do to deal with depression.

Here are 4 simple tips for dealing with depression.

1. Move Your Body

If you’re struggling with depression, it may feel hard to want to get out of your house or even your bed on some days. Moving your body is actually proven to help release “feel good” chemicals or endorphins. You don’t have to run a marathon or work out for hours to receive these benefits either. All it takes is getting your blood pumping and heart racing for at least thirty minutes each day. Go for a walk outside. Hop on your bicycle or indoor cycling bike. Ask a friend to attend a class at a local gym or studio. You can even roll out a yoga mat and complete a yoga series in the comfort of your own home.

2. Take Care of Yourself

Another way that you can try to deal with depression is just by taking care of yourself. Depression can make you completely dismiss your own needs, even your basic human needs. Make sure you’re fueling your body properly and dedicating enough time for rest and recovery. Depression can have a negative impact on many different parts of your life. It can cause you to change your eating habits. Some people struggling with depression may binge and overeat. Others may not feel hungry or not have the energy causing them to undereat. Depression can also cause your sleeping habits to change in less-than-ideal ways. It could cause you to sleep too much or have difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep throughout the night.

Make sure you’re eating at least three to five meals each day that have enough protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. You also want to try to aim for eight hours of sleep each night. These actions can lead you to feel healthier and happier from the inside out, as well as make sure you have enough energy and stamina to make it through each day.

3. Practice Mindfulness

It can be easy to get caught up in worrying about thoughts or actions from the past or thinking about future events that haven’t occurred yet. These can bring on negative thinking patterns and emotions. Try to bring yourself back to the present moment with mindfulness. Mindfulness is a great way to help you stay grounded, slow down, and focus on what’s happening here and now. There are many different ways that you can practice mindfulness. You’ll have to try a few of them and see what works best for you. Here are a few different examples for you to look into:

• Deep breathing
• Meditation
• Journaling
• Yoga

4. Talk to a Therapist

Depression isn’t something that can just go away on its own. It may be hard to find the words or to ask for help when you’re struggling with depression, but help is available to you.

Your depression doesn’t define you. Just because depression isn’t something that can just go away on its own doesn’t mean you’re stuck with it forever. Reaching out to a therapist may be exactly what you need to get to the root cause of your depression and work towards finding ways to cope and better manage those thoughts and feelings moving forward.

You deserve to be happy again. Reach out to us today to set up a consultation.