Stress is now the biggest factor in driving people to drink,
drugs and depression, according to mental health experts.
Instead of taking solace in drinks, drugs, sleeping tablets or anti-depressants, or smoking. These positive steps could be taken;
Instead of taking solace in drinks, drugs, sleeping tablets or anti-depressants, or smoking. These positive steps could be taken;
Exercise
Exercise is proven to produce an increase in chemicals such
as endorphins, which can make us feel less depressed – and can help to lessen
fatigue as well. Exercises are available
for individuals of all ability levels.
Stress Management
Program
Many strategies, such as meditation, progressive relaxation,
bio-feedback, and even regular napping, are available to manage stress, which
in turn, can help to make you less susceptible to life’s ups and downs. Which technique you choose doesn’t matter, it
is only important that you stay committed and practice the exercises you find
to be helpful.
Talk about it
Confiding in a trusted friend or family member about
difficult feelings or thoughts can often improve your mood.
Commit to one
activity each week
Being accountable to a group can be a motivator to change
your environment and get social support – which can ultimately be uplifting.
Join a church or a club.
Write in a journal
Take time to write down your emotions, the act of which is a
very safe outlet to release negative thoughts that may be building up inside.
Develop a spiritual
interest
Spending time in nature, prayer, meditation, or a religious
setting, are all forms of spiritual practice;
you feel connected with something greater than yourself. When firmly grounded in a spiritual belief,
one can come back to this centered place – especially during times of stress or
sadness – and find great comfort.
Find your bliss
What is the one thing in your life that makes you want to
get up in the morning and keep going even when your body wants to rollover and
go back to sleep? What images can you think
of that make you smile? This can be a
loved one, a job, a hobby, or even a higher purpose. Your bliss can be a great motivator when you
need an incentive to care for yourself.
Help others
Volunteering is a great way to improve self-esteem and combat
feelings of worthlessness. Frequently
volunteers report feeling physically, emotionally, and intellectually recharged
after doing something for others.
Reward yourself
Do something that makes you feel good (and causes no
harm). Ideas include getting a massage,
renting your favorite DVD, spending time at the park, enjoying a delicious
meal, and reading a great book, just to name a few.
Adopt a pet
Although a pet can be hard work initially, owning a pet can
help to take one’s attention away from his or her despair. Pets provide unconditional love that is so
desperately needed during depressive episodes.
Create a gratitude
list
By consciously taking the time to shift the focus from all
that is going wrong, to all that is going right in your life, you can create
moments of pleasure.
Maintain a sense of
humour
Laughing provides therapeutic value – even consciously
smiling can help you to feel better.
Laughter does well like medicine. Try it.
Thanks. This is enlightening.
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