Averting Depression

How can we tell when depression is just a natural phase of life or a serious clinical illness which requires more than just a friend’s shoulder? Feeling sad is natural, especially after a stressful life situation or when your expectations have not been met. Disappointment is a normal part of life, granted. For example, it is normal to feel down after a major disappointment, or to have trouble sleeping or eating after a difficult relationship break-up. Usually, within a few days, perhaps after talking to a friend, we start to feel like ourselves again. But sometimes this feeling of sadness can go on for a little too long. It starts affecting your eating, work, sleep and even relationships.

Here are the Top 5 easy ways to avert depression:

1. Exercise

Allow those natural feel-good hormones to pump through your system. It doesn't have to be a hectic Billy Banks workout. Just a walk around the block after a meal is enough to keep you smiling. 

2. Cook

...healthy food! This is a two-in-one. Depression and diet are related. Some preliminary research suggests that having a poor diet can make you more vulnerable to depression.The creative activity of cooking is a therapeutic way to relieve stress...and you probably will not be eating alone so the company will do you good.

3. Turn up the Music

Chris Brown was right. Some music can alleviate depression as it gets your heart beating faster and when you feel like dancing, that's a good sign. Just dance! If you have an option to go out and do something, or stay indoors, always choose going out. Just show up, you will feel better after.

Playing and laughing like a child are sure ways to avert depression

4. Chocolate

(hides) Yes, your favourite social media doctor is recommending chocolate. Include ice-cream to that list. There is a research done which found that people who eat ice-cream are happier. The french say 'Do everything in moderation, including moderation!' That's all I'm going to say.

5. Pray

Seeking an inner truth gives people something to believe in. There are examples of people who were cured of depression after a major life change or figuring out their purpose. Giving to others in charity helps you focus less on your problems and more on helping the needy. Meditation and prayer give you peace of mind. Yoga, gardening, dancing, playing with your new puppy – do them all, at least once in your life. You may be in a rut and just need to shake things up with a change.

Hope this helps! Keep smiling people.