How to Lift Your Mood Without Prescription Drugs

I have said it many times, you can fight off your depression without the use of mind-altering prescription drugs. Yes, you should still seek the help and advice of a physician when it comes to any medical or mental issues, but you can fight the effects at home, with invasive tactics. Just use the following eight tips as a starting point in your search for a happier mood, and life.

Get Moving

Physical Activity is a natural mood enhancer. Once you get those endorphins flowing through your body and mind you will release stress and start to feel lighter and in a better mood.

Eat Fish

Cold water fish a full of wonderful Omega-3 Fatty Acids that work within our brains to help get the serotonin flowing, a natural mood enhancer. Mix fresh fruits and fresh vegetables with your diet of fish and you will get an even more powerful boost of good moods. This mixture helps to relieve inflammations in the body that can lead to some bouts of depression.

Sleep It Off

Insomnia, the inability to get to sleep at night, can lead to enhanced depression. Our bodies need sleep to function properly. If you get the right amount of sleep for your system (anywhere between 6 and 9 hours a night) your mood will be noticeably better in no time. Try taking a nice warm bubble bath at night, before bed, or even get some exercise, which can help to release energy. Both will help you get relaxed quicker.

Enjoy the Sunshine

Open the shades, or curtains, first thing when you get out of bed in the morning. Letting the sun shine in will help you wake up faster and put a smile on your face.

Take a Walk

Get out there and enjoy nature. If you do not think you have time to fit in a walk then make the time. Cut some of your tube time to get out there and breath the fresh air. Enjoy the birds, trees and other wild life. Think of all the beauty that is in the world and you will be sure to be amazed and happy!

Meditate

Meditation can be as simple as concentrating on you breathing, or you can concentrate on a specific word. More enhanced meditation can include visualization, which is great for relaxation and stress relief. You can picture yourself doing almost anything, anywhere.

Change Your Routine

Find a new hobby, whether it is crafting, art, fitness or just watching educational television. Find something new for your mind to do and it will repay you with less worries. Learning something new on a regular basis is a great way to enhance your mood and your mind's abilities. You will be fighting depression and you will be less likely to feel bored anymore!

Ask For Help

You do not need to go to a therapist, unless your depression comes with thoughts of suicide, but you should talk to someone. Include your friends and family in your problems, you do not have to be embarrassed because chances are they have experienced depression at some point too. Schedule a regular time where you meet to talk, like a coffee shop time or even just a meeting at home in privacy. Vent and chat and let them give you advice that just may help lift your mood and take some of that weight off of your shoulders.

Source

Fit To Be Well; Alton Thygerson & Karl Larson; 2006