5 Effective Tips to Help Lessen Anxiety and Depression
5
Effective
Tips
to
Help
Lessen
Anxiety
and
Depression
Generally, it is not strange to feel anxious or depressed. However, the problem lies in your inability to get over the feeling. Also, the feeling of depression and anxiety is meant to be a temporal one that should go away on its own.
If you deal with depression and anxiety regularly, there is a need to learn how to lessen this occurrence. Although medications help lessen depression and anxiety, you do not always have to take them.
One of the most effective ways of lessening anxiety and depression is by visiting an experienced anxiety & depression therapist. A therapist will help you win against anxiety and depression without having to take medications.
Here, we have highlighted the top five (5) effective tips to help lessen anxiety and depression.
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Exercise
One of the most important things to do to fight stress is exercise. Although it may seem a bit contradictory, exercise helps to put physical stress on your body, hence helping relieve mental stress.
Generally, people who exercise regularly are less likely to suffer from depression and anxiety compared to those who hardly exercise. Here are the reasons why it is so;
Stress Hormones
When you exercise, the stress hormones in your body are lowered. Even more, it further releases chemicals known as endorphins, which serve as natural painkillers and help to improve your mood.
Sleep
Regular exercise improves an individual’s quality of sleep, which is often affected by depression and anxiety.
Consider Supplements
Today, several supplements help to reduce stress, depression, and anxiety. The consumption of such supplements will not only lessen your stress level; it will also improve your sleep.
It is important to consult with your doctor before taking any supplements as some supplements have side effects. Some of the common and effective supplements to take include:
Lemon Balm
This balm is part of the mint family, and it contains anti-anxiety nutrients, which lessens anxiety.
Green Tea
This tea contains polyphenol antioxidants that lower anxiety and stress by increasing the body’s serotonin levels.
Valerian
Valerian root helps to aid sleep as it has a tranquilizing effect. Also, thanks to the presence of valerenic acid, it can alter gamma-aminobutyric acid receptors, thus lowering anxiety.
Light a Candle
Although not everyone will agree with this tip, it is, however, very effective. By burning scented candles or using essential oils, you can lessen the feeling of depression, anxiety, and stress.
Some of the soothing scents available include Rose, Lavender, Vetiver, Neroli, Bergamot, Frankincense, Roman chamomile, Ylang-ylang, Sandalwood, and many more. The act of using scents for mood treatment is called aromatherapy, and it helps to improve sleep and lessen anxiety.
Reduction in Caffeine Intake
Caffeine is generally found in tea, chocolate, energy drinks, and coffee. High consumption of caffeine causes an increase in anxiety.
Although different individuals have varying thresholds for the caffeine content, ensure you stop consuming foods and drink high in caffeine content once you notice it makes you anxious or jittery.
It is important to note that coffee can also be healthy if taken in moderation, but this might not apply to everyone.
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Write it Down
This is another effective way of lessening stress, anxiety, and depression. Once you can write down the things bothering you and those you are grateful for, you will tend to feel less anxious.
Gratitude is one of the best ways of relieving anxiety and stress. It helps you focus your thoughts on positivity.
Conclusion
Overall, depression and anxiety can arise due to several reasons. Although it is not wrong to feel anxious or depressed, the feeling should not last for a long time.
Even though medications help lessen anxiety and depression, there are also other ways you can lessen depression, including regular exercise, reduction in caffeine intake, supplement, and many others.