Copyright 2006 Christopher Green
For many people who suffer from depression, or stress or
anxiety, the only way to find relief is by taking
antidepressants. Sometimes they help, often they don't. Here's
five far more effective but wholly natural ways you can use to
help you lift the fog of a depressive episode. And unlike a
bottle of drugs, you can use these techniques for the rest of
your life.
1. Start and end each day in a positive way. Listen to upbeat
music, and avoid reading or watching anything too heavy. For
example, starting the day by watching an hour-long news bulletin
filled with images of war, crime and disasters is not a good way
to brighten your mood. Instead, turn off the TV and play some
easy-listening music. 70's disco works for me, as does R & B.
Beats watching war and violence over breakfast. Also, try not to
listen to heavy music or read something heavy - a horror story
for example - before you retire to bed. These are simple
techniques to cut down your exposure to negative influences but
they are highly effective and will improve your moods very
quickly.
2. Take a daily 20-minute "time-out" from the firing line to
rest. Turn off mobile phones and pagers, switch off the mind,
relax and just enjoy the peace and quiet. Life isn't about being
on a treadmill 24/7. Give your mental well-being a boost by
shutting everything and everyone out for 20 minutes and you'll
feel much calmer.
3. Accept change. Change is the one constant in life and
refusing to accept change will be harmful. Embrace changes and
use them as an opportunity to grow. And remember, change isn't
what causes us problems, it's how we react to it. You can choose
to react positively or negatively. Choose wisely.
4. Try not to assign single negative outcomes to problems.
Single negative outcomes are rarely true and will trigger the
fear response. Generate multiple outcomes to problems and work
towards more positive solutions. Rarely will a single, negative
outcome be true and if you take a step back and take your time
to assign a meaning, you will generate more positive solutions.
5. Sometimes, it's hard to cope with life. During these times,
the plate is already full. Don't pile the plate higher by making
major, life-altering decisions. Postpone changes at work,
relationship commitments, house moves etc. until the plate is
less full and control has been regained.
Give the above techniques a try and they'll bring benefits to
your health almost immediately. But they'll only work for you if
you put them to action. Start right now and watch the fog begin
to lift.
Until next time.
About the author:
Chris Green is the author of "Conquering Stress", a special
program which will show you how to conquer stress, depression
and anxiety without taking powerful drugs. For a free e-course
please click here =>
http://www.conqueringstress.com