People often wonder if dealing with anxiety and depression without medication is possible. In most cases, the answer is a resounding yes. If you suffer from these problems, you can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that treating symptoms of anxiety and depression naturally is indeed possible.
Natural Remedies For Managing Depression and Anxiety
Unfortunately, far too many people rely on pharmaceutical pills to treat their anxiety or depression. Sure, some of these medicines might work, but their long-term impact can be quite dangerous, and result in adverse side effects. Luckily, you can significantly decrease your symptoms by making some lifestyle changes. In some cases, people are even able to eliminate their depression without ever touching a pill. If you are looking for a medicine free solution to deal with anxiety and depression Easy Day is here to help with some tried and tested tips you can use every day.
Prioritizing Sleep
Making changes to your sleeping habits can work wonders for your mental health. Lack of sleep often makes people cranky, forgetful and depressed. Sometimes, merely getting an adequate amount of sleep can put you in a good mood. Creating healthy sleeping habits won’t cost you a penny, and several sleep related studies indicate that it can be an effective variant of overnight therapy, allowing you to handle a diverse range of emotions.
You’d be surprised to learn that more than ninety percent of depressed and anxious people have trouble sleeping. In some cases, however, depressed individuals sleep too much. That said, getting a lot of sleep is far better than getting no sleep at all.
The good news is that you can gain better control of your emotions and power to concentrate by going to sleep on time. Of course, this is easier said than done, but the following the tips could help you get a better night sleep when feelings of anxiety start to surface:
- Stop consuming caffeine after 5 pm
- Wear a sleeping mask
- Avoid using your smartphone two hours before going to bed
- Shower before going to bed
- Steer clear from blue lights
- Try to sleep at least seven hours every night
- Try CBD oils and natural supplements
Exercise Can be a Great Med-Free Treatment
In many cases, exercising regularly can be as effective as psychotherapy or antidepressant meds and there are several pieces of research to prove it. The more you move your body, the better you will feel. But would an hour of weight lifting, jogging or stretching be enough to deal with depression? Well, it depends on how consistent you are. Sure, making exercise a part of daily routine can be tough for some people, but once you get in the groove, your mind will focus on improving your body rather than dwelling in negativity.
Some experts even suggest that thirty to forty minutes of exercises three to five days per week can help effectively minimize symptoms of depression. Working up a sweat is great for your mind and body. If you are new to working out, you may experience some side effects like heavy breathing, muscle aches etc. but don’t worry, those feelings will disappear once you make exercising a part of your routine.
Many people find it hard to exercise, especially if they are severely depressed. In cases like these, starting slowly and gradually is a good idea. Consider starting with a simple ten to fifteen minute walk, and increase your minutes after every few days.
According to renowned neuroscientists Dr. Wendy and Dr. Julia’s review, exercising causes our brains to release serotonin and dopamine. These are mood enhancing chemicals that promote feelings of pleasure and happiness. Therefore, working up a sweat can be an effective way to quickly get rid of depressive symptoms. What’s more, exercising for the long-term can develop fresh brain cells, shielding your brain from depression, anxiety, and several other diseases.
Changing Your Diet
The human body is like a car engine, it can’t function without the right fuel. A poor diet can be a major contributor towards anxiety and depression. Fortunately, there have been several cases where people experienced noticeable changes in their mood within days of changing their diet.
A study conducted in Amsterdam reported that people who eat an excessive amount of fried foods, high fat dairy products, red meat, creamy sauces and added sugars, experienced depressed moods more than those who consume a balanced diet. Not only does this mean that fat and sugar impact our mood, but it also proves that meals from fast food restaurants are not as convenient and cost effective as they seem. Why? Because they can impact your mental health down the line.
While it is great to stay away from unhealthy foods, introducing some items into your diet may also prove to be an effective medicine free solution for dealing with anxiety and depression. Here is a list of items you should consider adding in your daily diet to help when you’re feeling depressed or anxious:
- Seeds
- Fruits (especially berries)
- Leafy green vegetables
- Nuts
- Fish
- Whole grains
- CBD oils and products
A body that gets proper nourishment can recover from various ailments and stresses much faster than others.
Transforming Your Mindset
As cliché as it sounds, thinking positively is a great way to boost your mood. What you think directly impacts how you feel. If your mind is full of negativity, determining the root cause behind it could go a long way in addressing the problem. You can even talk to a therapist if you are having trouble with overly negative thoughts.
Many experts suggest cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as an effective means of treating depression. CBT focuses on determining thinking patterns that are affecting the patient, and replacing these patterns with positive thoughts and feelings. However, you don’t necessarily have to go to a therapist right away, as you can help rewire your brain and recognize patterns by yourself too.
In some cases, negative thoughts are quite obvious. People tend to criticize themselves too much. In other cases however, they are more subtle. Anticipating unfavorable outcomes is also a telltale sign of anxiety and depression. But if you become mindful of these behaviors, recognizing them will become easier.
Whenever you notice yourself thinking something negative, try reframing it in a positive light. Small adjustments like these can make massive improvements to your mindset and eventually alleviate feelings of depression.
Practicing daily meditation and deep breathing exercises can also help you focus on the moment, improve your mood and alleviate stress.
A Few More Quick Tips That Can Help
Here are just a few other natural approaches you can use if you’re feeling depressed or anxious:
- Focus on things you are grateful for.
- Spend time outdoors and in nature
- Find simple goals you can accomplish everyday
- Make time to do the things you enjoy
- Find small ways to help and serve others
- Experiment with new and different activities
- Stay away from alcohol
- Set a schedule that offers structure to your day
- Try to be social and avoid being isolated
- While some supplements might help, always check with your doctor before using them
Finding A Better, Healthier Way
Depression and anxiety can make people feel lonely and isolated, causing them to withdraw. It is a major reason why many people take the easy way out and opt for medications instead of trying natural, healthier solutions. But finding healthier alternatives can bring about a massive change in your life. You may not notice the results right away, but once you become consistent, your mental state can improve incredibly.
If you are looking to add another tool to help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety we highly recommend trying out CBD oil. Studies continue to support the potential of CBD as a natural alternative for dealing with anxiety and depression as well as other conditions.
If you’re not sure where to start Easy Day Hemp has a wide selection of CBD oils and gels to choose from.
And now when you subscribe to Easy Day we’ll text you a 20% discount off our CBD products; so you can start having your own Easy Day.