Hectic work lifestyle, social and emotional trauma can led us to a horrific conditions called “Depression”. Depression at its very best can lead us to mental illness and can make people do something horrible. It’s a serious condition and requires urgent medical treatment. But certain changes in your lifestyle can uplift you from feeling low.

1.Spending time with your friends:

Researchers have come with the facts that spending time with friends can cut your depression and in-fact worked as effectively as antidepressant medication and psychotherapy.  Regular social encounters with friends can boost your moral and self-confidence.

2.Exercise:

Get your exercise program which you enjoy doing regularly. It can be aerobics, yoga, hiking, biking etc, as studies have shown that exercises boosts serotonin. So, combining exercises with outdoor activities counteract depressions and work their magic on your mood.

3.Play with pets everyday:

It doesn’t mean that you have to own pets. You can volunteer at an animal shelter or play with your neighbor’s pets for a few minutes a day. This can elevate your serotonin and oxytocin(both mood elevators) as per studies conducted on number of people.

4.Get massage at least thrice a week:

Regular massage of 12 to 20 mins can reduces levels of stress hormone cortisol while boosting serotonin levels. Either you can pay a visit to professionals or you can ask your spouse or friends to rub your back for at least 12 mins.

5.Stress busting Foods:

Use of the following stress busters foods like- walnuts, kiwi, pineapple, banana can boost your moods as they are all naturally high in serotonin. Consumptions of Omega -3 fatty acids, a type of fats found in cold-water fish, has been a great help in curbing depression compared to those who don’t have Omega-3 fatty acids in their diet. Flaxseeds, walnuts, soybeans, kidney beans are other supplements for omega-3 fatty acids other than fish.

Regular consumption of caffeine can decrease the risk of depressions by 50% as per studies conducted around the world.

6.Get on with your creativity:

Interests like music, painting, drumming, etc can influence your depression to come down to lower level. Studies have shown that taking interest in your hobbies can take you away from the stress causing elements and helps you feel more energetic and less depressed.

7.Take full nap:

Sleeping 8hrs a day clears out the minds and helps body to rejuvenate for another day and helps lower your stress levels. Researchers have explained that sound sleep have greater advantages for the body rather than deprived sleep.

8.Vitamins:

Vitamins have been an essential elements for the proper functioning of the body. But with the kind of life style prevailing we need to have required vitamins in their elementary form through pills. Vitamins have also been known to suppress stress causing elements.