Talk to your doctor about specific dietary changes you should make based on your personal and family history. Your diet can also affect your mental health. Fruits and vegetables are thought to increase feelings of positivity, while fats and sugars are linked to feelings of depression. [2] X Research source
In addition to improving your physical health, regular exercise can also decrease symptoms of depression. [4] X Research source Staying active is much easier if you find an activity that you genuinely enjoy. Try several new sports or exercise classes until you find something you really want to do. [5] X Research source Having an exercise buddy can also help keep you on track.
If you have trouble falling asleep, try going to sleep and waking up at the same time every day, even on weekends. Avoiding caffeine and television before bed can also help. [9] X Research source
No matter how you plan on quitting smoking, support is crucial. Find a friend to lean on during the process or join a support group. [11] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source It will be very helpful to avoid places where others smoke and to spend as much time as possible in locations where smoking is not allowed. Being away from temptation can help you get through the cravings. [12] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source
Applying gentle pressure to the third eye and the pressure points on the feet can also do wonders for your overall health and well-being.
There are not a lot of clear or confirmed studies about the benefits of nutrient replacement, so it may not work for you. Other common deficiencies that can lead to fatigue include B vitamins, magnesium, and antioxidants. Talk to your doctor about how to increase your intake of any nutrients you are lacking. Treatment may include supplements or dietary changes.
The first step to reducing stress is to pay attention to the things that trigger it. Once you understand what causes you stress, you can decide how to react to it. In some cases, you may be able to avoid your triggers by staying away from certain people or not overcommitting yourself. If you can’t avoid your triggers, consider managing your stress by incorporating yoga, tai chi, massage, or deep breathing exercises into your daily routine. Exercise, even something as simple as walking, can also help reduce stress.
This doesn’t mean you should block out the past. It’s important to acknowledge and learn from it, but you need to move forward. Be sure to accept any personal responsibility you may have for whatever happened in your past. Continuing to blame others will not allow you to truly let go. If someone hurt you in the past, it’s important to forgive, even if you never reestablish a relationship with that person. If you did something bad in the past, you must forgive yourself as well. Stay focused on the present. If negative thoughts about your past enter your mind, try reminding yourself that the past is the past and now you are focusing on the future. Saying this aloud may be helpful. [17] X Research source
Be sure to acknowledge all of the small improvements you make. They don’t all have to be drastic changes! You can also use a mantra when you are faced with situations over which you have no control. Try something like, “There is nothing I can do but make the best of this. "
Consider making a list that you can look at when you’re feeling down. You can challenge yourself to add one new item to the list every day. You might be surprised by just how much you have to be thankful for!
If you can’t get out to see any natural wonders, at least look at some pictures. This can have a similar effect.
If you don’t have a pet, even petting a stuffed animal can give you a serious mood boost. Or try volunteering at an animal shelter or asking a friend if you can come over and play with their pet.
Start a savings account if you don’t already have one. Setting up automatic transfers from your checking account to your savings account will make it much easier to stick to the habit of putting money away. Don’t deprive yourself of everything you enjoy just to save money. Instead, look for small things that you won’t miss that much that end up costing you a lot of money over time. Premium television channels that you rarely watch are a great example.
Reach out to old friends and let them know you’d like to spend time together. Try designating chunks of time for social engagement, whether it’s going to a party or having lunch with a close friend. Consider joining clubs or groups that will allow you to participate in a social activity on a regular basis. If it is incorporated into your regular schedule, it might be easier to stick to.
Openness is crucial to successful relationships. If you have a hard time opening up with your partner, start small by making a point of telling him or her about the things you did today and why you did them, or alternatively about how you are feeling and why. The more you practice, the more open you will naturally be in your relationship.
