Healing Thoughts from Patricia Sarmiento
Focus on These Key Points to Overcome Depression and Live the Life You Want
Depression affects around 3.8% of people worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. This illness can be caused by any number of factors, some of which are out of a person's control and some of which can be altered. Here are a few ways to build confidence, reduce feelings of sadness, and engage with the world with a lighter heart.
Diet
What goes into the body has a major impact on what the body and mind can do. The brain needs B vitamins to function optimally, which can be found in fish, green vegetables such as spinach and kale, and nuts such as cashews and almonds. The body also needs carbohydrates for energy to work and play, so be sure to eat whole grains as well.
Exercise
When you're depressed, sometimes the last thing you feel like doing is getting out of bed and moving your body. However, once you start working out, the endorphins can provide an incredible mood change. Consider stretching with yoga or Pilates, or sweating out your sadness with kickboxing or running.
Sleep
The average adult needs seven to nine hours of sleep, but depression can cause insomnia or oversleeping. Sleeping too little can result in paranoia or psychosis, which only makes your quality of life worse. Sleeping too much causes you to miss out on living and takes away from time that could be spent improving your life.
Hobbies
Extended periods of depression can make you forget who you are and what you love to do. It's time to revisit this question. Pick up that tennis racquet from your college days, go to a gardening club meeting, or finally dip into computer programming like you always wanted to.
Career
You may be spending anywhere from six to 12 hours per day doing paid work, so it only makes sense that you should enjoy this time. Life is too precious to spend on a job you hate! Consider a career change by starting a business, whether it's teaching art, selling custom t-shirts, or cleaning houses.
Don't let misconceptions about your age stop you. It's never too late in life to choose something that you love to do. Research properly before and during the startup process to learn about the technology that exists to help automate processes and source suppliers. The confidence that comes with being your own boss can have amazing effects on your quality of life, though always make an exit plan in case it doesn't work out.
Home Aesthetics
You spend so much time at home, it only makes sense that your surroundings should bring you peace and joy. Keeping your living space tidy can prevent you from feeling like your life is a mess; organized surroundings reflect organized daily habits. Make sure your possessions are attractive and meaningful to you and choose items that bring you joy. Get rid of anything that makes you feel sad, guilty, or unproductive.
Finances
Money problems can be a major source of stress and sadness. Making positive changes in the way you spend or earn can have major benefits to the state of your depression. Following the pandemic, many people are rebuilding their finances with new sources of income or new methods for saving money. If you own a home, refinancing your mortgage can help you reduce your monthly mortgage payment or provide cash for necessary repairs, both of which can improve your daily mood.
Depression can be caused by a wide array of factors. By focusing on changing the things you have control over, you can help to reduce or eliminate your symptoms.