6 Tips to Beat Depression During the Holidays
The Christmas season is supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, however are you not feeling very festive? In fact, are you feeling sad or depressed? You’re not alone. This is actually quite common around the holidays, and here are 6 tips to beat depression during the holidays.
1. Eat clean. Good nutrition is vital to feeling well. Incorporate lots of fruits and vegetables into your meals. This one is easier said than done, but as much as possible, avoid the temptations of sugar, soda, coffee, grains, dairy products and simple carbohydrates. While they may initially give you a quick energy boost, they are always followed by a dramatic drop in energy and can cause fatigue and depressed moods.
2. Get plenty of sleep. A tired body means a tired mind which can definitely dampen your moods. A good night’s sleep is crucial for restoring energy and rejuvenating your mind and body. Know your limitations and learn how to say no when you need time to rest. Plan well and don’t overwork or overbook yourself. Try to go to bed at the same time every night, keep your room dark and cool, turn off your TV and put your cell phone away before bedtime.
3. Get up and move. While you may not feel like doing anything, exercise actually helps your body release endorphins, which are the feel-good hormones in your brain. Take a brisk walk outside to get your body moving.
4. Don’t forget to take your vitamins. The nutrients in vitamins and minerals are essential for you to feel well, both mentally and physically. These will help you keep up with your busy holiday schedule. Vitamin D, magnesium, B vitamins and omega-3’s in fish oil are the most important because they help support your mood.
5. Balance your hormones. Depression is a common symptom of hypothyroidism and hormonal imbalance. There is a good chance your depressed moods are caused by a hormone deficiency if you also have symptoms such as fatigue, insomnia, brain fog, unexplained weight gain, migraines, muscle and joint pain, PMS, and hot flashes, to name a few. Replacing your hormones with bioidentical hormones that are identical to those made by your body will help relieve your depressed moods. You don’t have to resort to antidepressants.
(Note: Don’t ever stop taking an antidepressant cold turkey because that could have very dangerous side effects. Always work with your doctor to wean off of them slowly and safely.)
6. Think positive thoughts. Try to focus on the positive things in your life – your family, friends, pets and any other blessings. Write these down in your journal. When we are grateful, it can improve our overall outlook and help get us through tough times.
Lift the fog of depression, naturally, so you can live the life you deserve and put the joy back in your holidays. Take good care of yourself so that you can enjoy this Christmas season.
We can help.
Could you be suffering from hormone decline? Click here to take our symptom checker to find out. Contact our wellness consultants for a complimentary consultation at 281-698-8698. Let us help you get your get your health back on track so you can live your best life!
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