Life’s ups and downs are part of the human experience. Some days we may be feeling on top of the world, and the next day we may feel blue for no particular reason. For other people, depression may be much more intense, and the result of a chemical imbalance in the brain. And while some of these people may require medication, others have found great success with natural methods. 

If you’re looking to manage your depression in the natural way, then here are some ways to try out.

Go Outside

When we’re feeling down, sometimes the last thing we feel like doing is going out into the world. The idea of having to put on a brave face, or smile at strangers can feel asphyxiating. However, the simple act of cooking outside, going for a walk, or simply sitting on a bench can significantly boost your mood. 

Vitamin D found in the sun is crucial for your health, not to mention the fresh air can do a world of good for your morale. Spending more time outdoors is something to try as soon as you’re feeling down, and in many cases, your mood will be improved almost immediately.

Exercise

Exercise is often taken for granted, as many people assume exercise is simply for losing weight or getting strong. However, exercise stimulates the production of those “feel-good mood boosters” called endorphins.  Not only can exercise lower your stress levels, but it can even make you feel euphoric! 

The idea is to consistently exercise rather than only doing it once in a while. If you can consistently add a little bit of exercise to your routine every day, you’ll start to significantly notice a difference in your ability to cope and stabilize your moods.

Even something as simple as taking a brisk walk around the block can make a world of difference in your mental health. If you see it as an important step of your day like brushing your teeth or taking a shower, you’ll likely stay committed and be able to reap all the benefits that consistent exercise has to offer.

Practice Meditation

Meditation is so much more than sitting in a cross-legged position and saying “ohm.” Meditation can be achieved in many different ways— many you might not have expected at all. 

Did you know you can achieve a state of meditation even when doing something like washing the dishes? The idea is staying present and focusing on your breathing.  Allow thoughts to come and exit your mind without staying stuck on one or the other. 

The more you can focus your mind on simply existing and being present, the less you’ll get wrapped up in the small insignificant stresses of your daily life. This is also known as tapping into your higher self, which can help you achieve a more conscious state of mind and less susceptible to stress and the blues.

You may additionally want to try guided meditations which can be found in places like YouTube for free. It’s as simple as laying down, and listening to the voice as it guides you through a meditation with affirmations that apply best to your situation.