Self-Care for Depression: 5 Ways You Can Boost Your Treatment at Home!

Anyone who has ever been through it can tell you that struggling with depression can be very hard and downright painful.  The basic tasks of self-care that most of us take for granted can be difficult to complete under the cloud of depression.  

Things as seemingly simple as getting out of bed, showering, getting dressed, and eating each day can feel like carrying a large boulder uphill.  

While the lack of self-care can be a telltale sign of depression, not being able to complete these daily tasks can also make depression feel even worse, and make for a harder to recovery. 

Your diet and exercise practices can play an important role on your path of healing and recovery from depression. If you’re struggling with depression, use these five tips to boost your self-care habits and give yourself a better chance for recovery!

1) Work Up To It!

It’s important to keep that in mind when adjusting your daily habits to minimize the impact of depression on your life and speed up your recovery. If you’ve been inactive for weeks or longer, you can’t expect to just start running a mile every morning. Start small, with walking, and gradually increase the time and intensity as you find you are able.

2) Consider Yoga

You may want to explore your body and mind via yoga. A yoga practice is a great, low-impact form of exercise that not only improves balance and flexibility, but builds strength of both body and mind.  Yoga as well as daily meditation and mindfulness can help some with symptoms of depression. 

3) Pass on Processed Foods

Some studies have shown that people who regularly eat processed foods increase their risk of depression by as much as 60%. Of course, if you’re moving your body more, you will need to fill it up with better fuel!

4) Try Yogurt or Other Probiotics 

As strange as it sounds, healthy intestinal bacteria (flora) are associated with lower risk of depression and better handling of stress. Get the kind with active cultures, if you’re buying store-bought yogurt or other fermented foods. 

5) Feed Your Brain

Your brain can heal itself in many cases, if you encourage neuroplasticity (the brain’s ability to change and correct itself). Omega-3 fatty acids are associated with lower depression rates. Take a fish oil supplement or better yet, chow down on some healthy hemp seeds!

If you are struggling with depression and have not yet reached out for help, contact me today to begin your road to recovery.

© Decision Point Therapy, LLC