Activities to Overcome Depression

Depression is a serious mental condition requiring medical attention. Because no two people are alike, no two treatment methods will be the same. You will find, however, that incorporating regular activities, both physical and nonphysical, into your daily schedule will help you to put your life back on track.

Exercise

• Getting outside for a bit of fresh air will play a huge role in your ability to fight depression. Try to go outside at least three times per week for a half hour at a time. The time outside will allow you to absorb some natural sunlight and clear your head while exercising.

  Exercise is a great way to relieve stress. If you run or jog, you will also experience a release of natural endorphins, a natural hormone that will help you to feel energized and fight the feelings of depression.

Sleep

• Sleep may not be the most "active" activity around, but getting the right amount can have a huge impact on the way you feel. You may have trouble sleeping because you are depressed---but at the same time, you may be depressed because you are having trouble sleeping.

  Your body produces many chemicals---including serotonin and melatonin. Serotonin helps us remain active during the day, while melatonin helps us sleep at night. If you're having trouble sleeping, you may have a simple hormonal imbalance that is causing you to produce chemicals at the wrong time of the day. When this happens, you can easily become moody, tired, and depressed.

  Make sure you limit your before-bed activities so that your mind isn't overstimulated before you try to sleep. Go to bed at the same time each evening and try to go to bed as early as possible so that you can wake up naturally instead of with an alarm.

Find a Social Activity

• Feelings of depression may leave you feeling isolated and alone---and at the same time may cause you to start withdrawing from activities you once loved. Consider the activities that make you the happiest and start participating in them again. Include hobbies, sports, and entertainment activities---anything you truly enjoyed before becoming depressed.

  Make a list of activities, setting a schedule for yourself, and try to stick to the schedule as much as possible. Adding one new activity at a time will help you rediscover some of the things that give you true pleasure.

  Don't be concerned if you no longer enjoy an activity you used to love. Your tastes may have simply changed. Remain open to suggestions from those around you and you may find your new great passion.

  Don't forget to include mundane tasks in your activity list as well. Sadly, cleaning your home is crucial to your existence and must be done. If you find it hard to complete this type of boring task, you may want to set a goal. Invite some friends over for dinner so that you'll have incentive to clean.