5 Strategies for Overcoming Depression Naturally

Depression is not easy to deal with. It can spa your energy and drive to do even ordinary, everyday activities. You may feel helpless, hopeless, and completely alone. Luckily, you are not, and there are many natural solutions that can help you start on the road to managing your depression.

There is a certain level of irony in the fact that many of the things that will most help you cope with and overcome depression are the very ones that are hardest to motivate yourself to do. Despite the difficulty, these strategies can be effective tools in your treatment and self-care routine.

Essential oils derived from flowers and herbs offer a wealth of benefits. Research has found that many of these can be harnessed through aromatherapy techniques including inhalation and massage. It is the plant compounds found within pure essential oils that provide health benefits, so don't fall for inexpensive fragrance oils.

There are plenty of scent options depending on how your depression manifests itself. Young Living Essential Oils recommends adding frankincense and vetiver oils to a diffuser to help you achieve a peaceful state.

Lavender is a favorite for its calming and uplifting effects, and it has shown effective in relieving depressive symptoms in several studies. Lavender is also one of the safest essential oils, and it is one of the few that can be applied directly to the skin.

Mindfulness is the practice of being fully aware of yourself in the present moment. When combined with traditional cognitive therapy into a practice known as mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), it is incredibly effective at treating signs of depression and preventing relapses among patients.

The benefits of MBCT appear to come from disengaging yourself from depressive feelings. You are taught to focus on awareness and acceptance of the present moment without judgment.

This may reduce self-blaming tendencies that are common with depression. Another idea is that MBCT helps patients focus on a single point so that their minds are not dwelling on negative ideas or situations.

Even if it's difficult to imagine getting up off the couch, try to increase your physical activity. You should plan to start out in short sessions, maybe walking for ten minutes a day a couple of times a week.

However, once you begin to notice the benefits of exercise it will be easier to aim for the recommended 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise a week.

Exercise causes your body to release endorphins, chemicals that cause a feeling of happiness or even euphoria. That will help combat the fatigue that often accompanies depression.

If you want to increase its effect, consider exercising with a partner or taking your favorite furry friend along for daily walks. Both human and animal companionship can help you feel more connected and reduce depressive symptoms.

Sleep is a tough situation when you are dealing with depression. On the one hand, you will often want nothing more than to dig back under the covers and stay in bed all day. On the other, you know that isn't the healthiest thing to do.

But getting the right amount of high-quality sleep can help you manage the effects of depression. Most adults need about eight hours of steady sleep per night.

If you aren't getting that, take steps to establish a sleep routine and make your bedroom more accommodating for deep sleep. This will give your body and mind a chance to recharge and reset hormone levels so you can perform at your best all day.

Isolation can quickly lead to or aggravate symptoms of depression. Luckily, you don't have to try and get through anything alone. Seek support from friends that you can trust.

If you are new to an area, turn to groups centered around your interests to meet people with similar tastes. Getting support from family and friends can give you the boost you need to overcome depression and may help you avoid a relapse of symptoms.

You don't have to let depression keep you down. There are plenty of natural options to help you overcome the disease and live a healthy and full life. Be sure to talk to your doctor about any treatments you are taking, and please seek immediate help if you have thoughts about harming yourself or others.