Leading A More Peaceful, Healthy Life
Seeking peace in your life? We all experience occasional bouts of sadness, of feeling a bit blue. This is one of many normal human emotions on a large spectrum. Depression on the other hand is considered an abnormal emotional state. Always consult your doctor or mental health provider if you feel the symptoms of sadness become overwhelming, begin to color every aspect of your life, or last for more than two weeks. If you are seeking comfort in times of sadness or if you are looking to make positive change in your life, consider the following, natural ideas.
Leading A More Peaceful, Healthy Life
Video transcript
Dr. Weil believes these 10 ideas can be of particular benefit for those who struggle with mild to moderate depression but can also potentially benefit nearly everyone who follows them.
Exercise Daily
We are designed for regular, sustained movement. Focus on a regular exercise program. One that you look forward to: A vigorous walk, a few laps in the pool, a bike ride, or visit to your local gym. The possibilities are endless.
Follow An Anti-Inflammatory Diet
Inappropriate inflammation may underlie depression – so controlling it is key to both physical and mental well-being. Dr. Weil’s Anti-Inflammatory Diet consists of whole, unprocessed foods that are especially selected to reduce inflammation, as well as provide abundant vitamins, minerals and fiber.
Do Breathing Exercises
Practice regular, mindful breathing exercises. These can be calming and energizing, and can even help with stress-related health problems ranging from panic attacks to digestive disorders.
Limit Information & Media Exposure
Are you choking on “data smog”? A dense cloud of trivial, irrelevant, or low-value information made possible by the internet. Monitor your time with devices and try to incorporate more face-to-face events with friends and more outings in nature.
Laugh More!
Smiling and laughing are very potent mood boosters. One way to quickly, intentionally inspire laughter is via laughter yoga.
Forgive
Forgiveness is almost universally held by philosophers and saints to be a key to peace of mind – and modern research confirms that those who can learn to forgive when appropriate enjoy better emotional health and overall contentment.
Practice Meditation
A regular meditation practice can restructure the mind, allowing us to detach from thoughts that cause emotional swings. It can level out mood cycles and help you learn to do things more effectively.
Practice Daily Gratitude
Try to devote a few moments of your morning meditation session to feel and silently give thanks for all of the good things in your life. Or consider writing in a gratitude journal before bed each evening.
Take Fish Oil & Vitamin D
Adequate blood levels of fish oil and vitamin D have been strongly tied to emotional health.
3 Herbs For Depression
Consider these 3 herbs to address mild to moderate depression:
- St. John’s Wort: This plant appears to work well for those affected by low mood.
- SAMe: A naturally occurring molecule that has been studied as an antidepressant.
- Rhodiola: This relative of the jade plant appears to improve mood and memory.
Bonus: Try Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT is a form of psychotherapy that helps patients overcome habitual negative views of the world and themselves and has been shown to be among the most effective psychological interventions for anxiety and depression.
