Ways to Avoid Depression

Here are the very practical caveman therapies for modern men and women. 1. Get outside . Our caveman friends saw lots of daylight; getting up at sunrise and going tosleep at sunset. Exposure to bright sunlight for 30 minutes a day either through sunlight or a light made for this, helps keep your internal clock set. This circadian rhythm helps to regulate our sleep/wake cycle and insures a good night’s sleep which in turn, helps our physical and mental health. Don’t wear sunglasses though; the exposure must come through your eyes! 2. Aerobic Exercise . Primitive folks had to forageor work in the fields for their food. 30 minutes at least 3 times a week means those ‘runner’s high’ endorphins get released regularly. It’s also a good way to work through and release stress. You don’t have torun a marathon, justget your heart rate up toyour target range – around 120 to 160 beats per minute depending on your age and condition. Walking works wonders. Get your doctor’s approval first! 3. Omega-3 fatty acids . 1,000 mg daily. Omega-3′s aid in the brain’s neuron connectivity. Enteric coated capsules help prevent burping the fishy tasting oil but you can also freeze them. Throw in a good multi-vitamin and avoid overly processed foods in favor of complex carbohydrates (whole grains), fish, free range meats, & vegetables and you’re good to go. 4. Sleep . Change your sleep routine so that it’s more conducive to a good night’s rest. Turn your lights down and go to bed at the same time everynight. Turn the t.v. off. Engage in calming, quiet activities like reading, taking a warm bath, etc. Avoid caffeine and alcohol. Don’t work late or do other stressful activities that causeyour mind to race. Remember a tired body and quiet mind are the requirements for quality sleep. 5. Socialize . Remember the Amish farmer has his family and community to fall back on for support. There’s no reason you can’t too. Involve yourself with close friends and family.You don’t have to engage in heavy conversations about your plight, just have fun. Keep it simple and go to a movie, visit an art gallery ormuseum, go to a ball game, grab a cup of coffee or have a meal together. Just be withother people and your feelings of isolation will fade. Do this face to face (not online!) and do it regularly. 6. Watch your thinking! Anti-rumination strategy is vital to breaking out of depression and other emotional ruts. Become aware of those times you dwell on the negatives in your life – both real or imagined – and stop them. Ittakes work and persistence but if you constantly tell yourself to ‘stop it’ when you start to go over and over the negatives, then youare building a positive habit that will change your life forthe better. Whether it’s the jerk who cut you off in traffic or something a little closer to home, don’t give yourself the luxury of a negative thought. http://workingmysuccess.com/?ref=Topforeal1