Are you tired of relying on medication to manage your depression? Do you want to explore alternative, organic solutions that can help improve your mental health? You’re not alone. Many people are seeking natural remedies to alleviate their symptoms and improve their overall well-being.
Depression is a serious mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. While medication can be an effective treatment option, it’s not always the best choice for everyone. Many individuals prefer to seek out natural solutions to manage their symptoms without the potential side effects of medication.
In this article, we’ll explore five organic solutions for depression that you can incorporate into your daily routine.
Exercise to Release Dopamine and Serotonin
Physical activity, especially one that you enjoy, can release dopamine and serotonin in the brain. These two neurotransmitters are known as “happy hormones.” Exercise can also be extremely helpful to those who experience panic attacks or anxiety.
Many people believe that they have to do strenuous exercises to combat depression. But it’s recommended that you do an exercise that you enjoy, such as dancing, yoga, swimming, or pilates. Others might enjoy the feeling of running or walking.
Do an exercise that makes you feel exhilarated and gives you plenty of energy. By doing exercises, you can lower the effects of depression. You’ll also have a healthy distraction if your depression is caused by external factors such as work or school.
Increase Your Magnesium Intake
Studies have shown that there is a link between low magnesium intake and depression. Supplementation of magnesium chloride significantly reduced the symptoms of depression in patients.
It’s recommended that people who suffer from low moods should take between 248–305 mg of magnesium per day. You can take this in supplement form, or you can eat foods high in magnesium, such as:
- Almonds contain 30 g to 80 mg of magnesium
- ½ of boil spinach contains 78 mg of magnesium
- ½ cup of peanuts contains 63 mg of magnesium
- Chia seeds contain 111 mg of magnesium
- Dark chocolate contains 252.2 mg of magnesium
Exercising regularly along with eating a magnesium-rich diet may help to improve your mood. With an improved mood, you’re able to make better life decisions and monitor your depression effectively.
Talk to a Professional Therapist Online
When you’re feeling low, and you have no one to talk to about your problems, it can amplify your depression. Sometimes you simply need an outsider’s perspective on how to improve your mental well-being.
Talking to an online therapist is an organic way to combat depression because it allows individuals to address their mental health concerns in a safe and confidential environment.
Online therapy provides a convenient and accessible way for individuals to receive mental health support from the comfort of their own homes. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals who may not have access to traditional therapy due to geographic or financial barriers.
Engaging in therapy can help individuals to identify and address the underlying causes of their depression, such as trauma, stress, or negative thought patterns. Through regular sessions with a therapist, individuals can learn coping skills and strategies to manage their symptoms and improve their overall well-being.
Find online therapy covered by insurance so you can reap the benefits of talking to a professional whenever you need assistance without worrying about your finances.
Spend Time in Nature
Spending time in nature is an effective and organic way to combat depression because it provides numerous physical and mental health benefits.
Exposure to natural environments has been found to reduce stress levels, which is a major contributor to depression. Nature has a calming effect on the mind and body, which can help to reduce feelings of anxiety and promote relaxation.
Being in nature can provide a sense of purpose and meaning, which is important for individuals struggling with depression. Engaging in activities such as hiking, gardening, or birdwatching can provide a sense of accomplishment, which can boost self-esteem and improve overall mood.
Listen to Music
Listening to music has the ability to positively affect your moods and emotions. Music can activate the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that is associated with pleasure and reward, in the brain. This release of dopamine can result in feelings of happiness, relaxation, and reduced stress levels.
Furthermore, music can also serve as a distraction from negative thoughts and feelings that often accompany depression. By focusing on the music, individuals are able to redirect their attention away from their negative thoughts and emotions and instead focus on something positive and uplifting.
Consider listening to certain types of music, such as binaural beats, specifically for depression. This music is a type of sound therapy that involves listening to two different frequencies.
The brain processes these two frequencies and creates a third frequency, which is believed to have a calming and mood-regulating effect on the mind and body.
Final Thoughts
By implementing these methods, individuals can take control of their mental health and improve their overall well-being. It’s important to remember that seeking professional help is always an option and should be considered if symptoms persist or worsen. With the right support and a commitment to self-care, individuals can overcome depression and lead happier, healthier lives.
MindOwl Founder – My own struggles in life have led me to this path of understanding the human condition. I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in philosophy before completing a master’s degree in psychology at Regent’s University London. I then completed a postgraduate diploma in philosophical counselling before being trained in ACT (Acceptance and commitment therapy).
I’ve spent the last eight years studying the encounter of meditative practices with modern psychology.