Boost your mood!

Feeling a little blue?

Let’s not call it depressed because it’s probably just a little bit of life having its way with you. You’ll be back – and back more positive and happier than ever! You just need to ride it out . . . ride that emotion right on outta town.  The ups and down of life are what life itself is all about, so remembering that, and following these few simple techniques for getting you through those less than enthralling days will have you back to your life loving socialising self again.

• Regular exercise. holy badoly- I can’t express enough, move.that.butt!   For instant benefits in alleviating depression, there is no better method than regular aerobic exercise. And I’m not just talking your fluffy 30 minutes 3 times a week, I’m talking a good sweat raising pump of blood every day- yes, every day!  Our bodies were made to move all day every day- so move it every day!
• Check your meds- Make sure you are not taking any over-the-counter or prescription medications that may contribute to depression, the side effects of some medications really are worse than the reason you are taking them- its quite hilarious (I say facetiously).   Be sure you really do need anti depressants if you are on them.  Most often its transient circumstance that depresses us, not a true chemical imbalance, so don’t go to your Dr if you are feeling blue- go to a Nutritionist or Naturopath first.  They should be your fist port of call- not the heavy hit of pharmaceutical drugs that most Dr’s will treat you with.
• Cut out caffeine. Addiction to coffee and other forms of caffeine often interferes with normal moods, causing mood swings, anxiety and a general inability to handle stress as well as we could without the caffeine hits-  these swings  aggravate depression.
• Ever tried Reflexology?  WOW-do give it a go.  This modality has proven itself to be very useful in treating several mood disorders, including depression.  Working with the energetic systems of the body, this exceptionally relaxing treatment clears energy channels that may be holding onto negative emotion that can- if not addressed, lead to physical imbalance.
• Meditate.  I promise you it is the method to trump all methods.  After many years of suggestion from my more ‘enlightened’ and to be honest, emotionally sound and balanced friends –  I started to regularly meditate and my goodness- the sense of connectedness and stillness of mind mediation brings to this once a junkie to the jogging,  is truly astonishing.  This eastern tradition requires long-term commitment- and does not produce immediate results, however just a few minutes each day is all that is needed for soul-defying life inspiring results!! Meditation absolutely gets to the root of depression- to say the very least.
• Amino Acids- on comparison to Vitamins and Minerals, these amazing little peptides within our body are not given the praise they deserve.  Most often a regular supplementation with naturally occurring amino acids- individually prescribed by your Nutritionist or Naturopath can be life changing.  I speak from experience on all of these points.
• And of course, what Nutritionist could write a list of techniques to aid your blues without addressing the Vitamin B packed (great for stress) vitamin and mineral filled leafy green vegetables, and a diet full of antioxidants and omega 3 containing fats- Essential of course!  It is very important to always go for high quality fish oil- i prefer liquid.  Cheaper brands are usually so low in the Omega 3 fats of DHA and EPH that to buy a top quality higher priced brand actually ends up cheaper!

If you are suffering from any sort of mood or emotion that gets you down, there can be a number of contributing factors that in most cases can be addressed naturally.

Majority of the time, the right guidance from your natural health care professional can be all you need to change your mind set.  If you or anyone you know suffers from depression, there is always someone willing to listen- you are never alone.  We must remember that we all feel and think the same- physically, emotionally, mentally, we are all the same- just at varying points of development.   It’s our spirit that divides us, and that spirit is something you are born with, that we cultivate with meditation and growth for the duration of our journey.  Whatever you are dealing with on an emotional metal or physical level can be worked through.