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Everything feels more challenging when you’re dealing withdepression.
Read ahead for some tips to help alleviate symptoms.
For some, this may mean forging stronger ties with friends or family.
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Knowing you could count on supportive loved ones to help can go a long way toward improving your depression.
Improve Your Sleep Hygiene
Sleep and mood are intimately related.
A 2014 study found that 80% of people withmajor depressive disorder experience sleep disturbances.
But, you might feel like you just can’t fall asleep.
Or perhaps you struggle to get out of bed because you feel exhausted all the time.
Good sleep hygiene could be key to improving the quality and quantity of your sleep.
Turn off electronics at least an hour before you go to bed.
Use dim light to read a book or engage in another relaxing activity.
Only use your bed for sleep and sexual activity.
Improve Your Eating Habits
Research continues to find clear links between diet and mental health.
There are many brain-essential nutrients that can affect depression.
Changing those negative thoughts, however, can improve your mood.
Beat Procrastination
The symptoms of depression, such as fatigue and difficulty concentrating, make procrastination tempting.
Putting things off fuels depression.
It can lead to increased guilt, worry, and stress.
It’s important toset deadlines and manage your time well.
Establish short-term goals and work hard to get the most important things done first.
Each task you successfully complete will help you break through the habit of procrastination.
Take control of your daily chores.
Start small and work on one project at a time.
Getting up and moving can help you start to feel better in itself.
But,seeing your progress in the homecan be key to helping you feel better.
Then, when you’re feeling down, try one of those activities.