Fight Depression With These Relaxation Tips

Depression is something that almost everyone has to deal with at one time or another. This condition can be debilitating, with symptoms ranging from minor to moderate to severe. If you suffer from depression, you should know that there are ways to help get through the tough spots. Being able to induce relaxation is one way to feel better and lessen the negative feelings that depression brings on. Here are some relaxation tips for those who suffer from depression.

Practice Meditation

A study at Johns Hopkins determined that mediation could help to alleviate the symptoms of depression. In patients who practiced mindful meditation, the severity of depression was determined to be less than those who practiced no meditation at all.

For best results, thirty minutes of meditation daily is recommended to help treat depression.

Listen to Relaxing Music

Studies show that listening to relaxing music can help to reduce or eliminate the symptoms of depression up to a 25% improvement. Music that promotes peace of mind and a sense of well-being can help patients who suffer from the emotional pain brought on by depression.

To find relaxation music for sale, search online for inspirational or relaxation music. Relaxation music can be purchased for use in personal music players, car stereos and home stereo systems for whole house enjoyment.

Exercise Moderately

Moderate exercise conducted twice weekly may combat the signs and symptoms of depression in as little as two months. When combined with meditation, as mentioned above, depression may be alleviated. Moderate exercise includes things like tennis, swimming, walking or bicycling.

Consult with your physician to ensure that your heart is healthy enough for a new exercise regimen.

Adjust the Diet

Certain foods can exacerbate the symptoms of depression. Many processed foods contain certain chemicals that may interfere with the brain's ability to produce endorphins, the "feel-good" hormones. While a consistent, healthy diet may reduce the risk for depression in general, specific foods like fresh fruits and vegetables can lower a person's risk for depression and help to bring a person out of depression. In fact, more evidence is surfacing that may indicate a link between nutrition and the tendency for depression.

To fight depression with food, opt for whole, fresh foods over processed. When whole fresh foods are unavailable, frozen fresh foods are the next best thing.

These tips can be used alongside a physician's care recommendations as long as they are approved by the doctor.