Treat Depression the Natural Way

Depression can lead to serious consequences if not given the proper attention which is why it’s important to immediately address depression symptoms as soon as you recognize them.

While several pills and counseling will always be an option, not everyone is willing to sit through hours of conversations and therapy.

The good news is there are ways to treat depression naturally and you can do it either through certain routines or food that you can add to your daily diet.

Exercise Daily

While regularshut exercise or physical activity may seem like unlikely advice, the truth is it does a good job of treating depression symptoms.

According to a study conducted by Duke University, it was found that moderate exercise (at least three times a week) was equally effective as anti-depressants in relieving (at least for the short term) symptoms of depression.

The same study also showed that depression was less likely to return in people who continued to exercise after the trial was over.

Get Into Meditation 

Meditation is another effective way of handling depression.  By clearing your thoughts and focusing on your breath, your body and mind get into a relaxing state, alleviating stress, and symptoms of depression in the process.

What makes mindful practices like meditation so effective is that it trains you to focus your attention and energy on the moment, helping you develop a sense of openness that can have positive effects. 

Add Turmeric to Your Daily Diet

While turmeric is more known as a kitchen ingredient, it is also an effective way of relieving depression symptoms.

Turmeric contains an antidepressant called curcumin which experts believe is the one responsible for fighting symptoms of depression.

Several trials have also been conducted to determine the relationship between turmeric and depression and the results have been highly favorable.

Practice Yoga   

Yoga is another mind and body exercise that can relieve depression symptoms. The truth is, yoga poses do so much more.

It can help reduce stress, align the spine, improve mental clarity, and promote relaxation and emotional wellness among others.

Though the effectivity of yoga in relieving stress still requires further studies, certain studies have shown that it may be effective in fighting depression symptoms.

Include Ashwagandha In Your Diet

Ashwagandha is a medicinal herb that’s been proven to provide various health benefits both for the mind and the body.

One such benefit is its effectivity when it comes to alleviating symptoms of depression, something several studies have shown to be true.

One study, in particular, involved participants who were given 600 mg of ashwagandha for 60 days where a 79% reduction in depression was seen.

Get enough sleep

It’s no secret that sleep has a direct effect on our moods.  Depression symptoms seem to get worse when we’re sleep-deprived.  It makes us more irritable and sad, further worsening our mood even without reason.

It’s important to get at least 8 hours of sleep regularly to help you become more relaxed and have a clear head as you face every new day that comes.

Final Thoughts

Fighting depression can be an uphill battle but it doesn’t have to be limited to pills and counseling.  These natural methods can help alleviate, if not eliminate, symptoms of depression as long as you stick to them and do them regularly.