Feeling down every now and again is a frustrating but perfectly normal fact of life – something none of us can get away from. However, if you are struggling on a daily basis and feel immobilised by sadness, then it could be a sign of a deeper issue, such as depression.
If you think that you might be suffering from depression, then we recommend that you speak to someone immediately. Treating depression often requires therapy and sometimes medication. However, there are certain lifestyle changes that can help you get your spark back. While it’s no cure-all, read on for a little inspiration…we may just have the remedy you’ve been looking for.
Table of Contents
1. Eat healthier
Being told to eat healthier is the last thing you want to hear when you are feeling down, but the mental health benefits of a balanced diet are not to be snuffed at. Often, eating healthier requires that you make more of an effort to go shopping for groceries and cook, which can feel like a towering impossibility. In any case, try to incorporate the following into your diet:
- Fatty acids from fish, fresh fruit & veg, and nuts
- Amino acids from certain meats and dairy products
- Complex carbohydrates from whole grains, certain veggies and fruits
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2. Exercise regularly
Finding the motivation to exercise when you feel down is excruciatingly difficult. In any case, even if you only get 30-minutes of exercise each day it can transform your mental health in a great number of ways, for example:
- Reduce stress levels
- Improve your mood
- Bolster your self-esteem
- Help you get to sleep easier
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3. Masturbate regularly
While masturbation can lead to feelings of guilt and anxiety brought on by cultural or religious ideals, there are a number of studies which demonstrate that masturbating is a healthy sexual activity that can help alleviate symptoms of depression and low self-esteem. [Source]
So, if you have been struggling recently with your mental health, shop men’s adult toys and explore your sexuality with a little healthy solo play. It’s a great way to familiarise yourself with your body, find out what you like, and develop a healthy relationship with your personal sexuality.
4. Meditate
If you want to try and combat depression naturally, meditation is a highly recommended technique to try. Meditation is a solo activity where you can practice various breathing exercises and inner-reflection. There is much evidence to suggest that meditation can alleviate feelings of anxiety and depression so why not give it a go and see how you feel? [Source]
5. Don’t neglect your personal & familial relationships
We are social creatures and no matter how much of a lone wolf you might consider yourself to be, the healing benefits of social interaction apply to all of us. Try and dedicate more time to hanging out with positive people who love, support, and make you feel good. In the same breath, take stock of the people in your life and consider cutting out any toxicity. If someone has a tendency to bring you down and make you feel bad about yourself then you mustn’t feel bad about cutting them out of your life for good.
6. Manage your stress
Stress is a huge contributing factor to depression. If you are feeling overwhelmed by life at the moment, then try and take steps towards managing your stress levels:
- If you are over-burdened at work, ask your management and colleagues for support
- Dedicate time to your passions
- Listen to music
- Write in a journal
- Ask for support from friends and family
Conclusion
Depression is nothing to be ashamed of and something that can influence us all, whether it be directly or through a family member or friend. If you are concerned and feel like you need help, do not hesitate to seek professional help. A problem shared is a problem halved after all.