Depression is commonplace today. The overwhelming sadness you feel can be life-altering. Thankfully, you can overcome this sorrow and reclaim your life. While some people cannot function during a depressive episode, many folks have functional depression, a fundamental disappointment in many aspects of life.
They go about their life and still work and do everything they’re supposed to do. The only problem is that no one can see all the sleepless nights and tears behind closed doors. High-functioning anxiety and depression are genuine problems, but you can treat these symptoms with natural remedies.
Twelve Ways to Naturally Treat Your Sadness
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, more than 17.3 million adults have depression in this country. Everyone needs coping strategies and ways to get through those dark days.
Mother Nature is an excellent provider of herbs and supplements that can help heal the body from within. Here are some of the best ways to combat this sadness in a holistic way that doesn’t have all the dreaded side effects.
1. Quit Looking at the Disappointment of Your Past
It could have everything to do with your past if you’re miserable in the present. Do you constantly look at what’s behind you and blame yourself for your mistakes? The pain and disappointments of yesterday don’t help you when you already feel sad and down.
Shift your focus to the here and now and mindful living. How can you enjoy the wonderful fragrance after the rain or the beauty of a flower in full bloom when preoccupied with the past?
2. Get Out in Nature More
When’s the last time you sat outside and let the sun’s rays penetrate every fiber of your being? If you must stop and think about it, then it’s been way too long. Nature is so healing, and so many people don’t spend time outdoors.
They’re stuck behind a desk, and the only fresh air they get is walking to and from their car. Why not go for a walk, let your feet dig deep into the soil, and connect with the Universe?
3. Change Your Diet
Is it any wonder that people who switch to the Mediterranean or Keto diet suddenly have a boost in their mental health? When you stop ingesting harmful simple carbs and fast food, it makes vital changes to your body. If you’ve noticed some of the processed food lately, it states that it may contain a bioengineered product.
According to Non-GMO Project, the government has a new way of classifying food with GMOs. What is a GMO? This modified genetic material helps with insects, weeds, and weather.
It enhances how your food tastes and provides shelf stability, but it’s not good for you. These genetic alterations can cause health issues, like digestion, in people with sensitive systems. Since there’s a direct connection between the gut and brain, is it any wonder why people are so depressed and have issues with their diet?
4. Break Free of the Negative Things That Cause the Sadness
Some sadness can be circumstantial. Perhaps you’re in a job that you despise. Sure, it pays the bills and puts food on the table, but you dread that you must get up each morning. Think of it this way; life is too short to do things that make you miserable.
When you come to the end of your life, you’re never going to lay on your death bed and wish you had worked just a little bit longer. No! You’ll want more time to do the things and be with the people you love. Don’t let a bad job or poor relationship suck the life right out of you. Start living today by cutting the chains that hold you back.
5. Exercise More to Overcome Sadness
One of the first things that any mental health doctor will tell you is that you can’t underestimate the power of exercise. Not only does moving your body keep you healthy, but you’re also increasing the serotonin and dopamine in your brain when exercising.
Every time you move and groove, your heart beats harder, reminding you there’s still life in your body. If you’re not getting enough exercise, it could be the very reason why you’re so sad.
6. Visit a Trusted Friend or Mentor
Disappointment and pain are inevitable in this life. However, it’s always nice to talk to someone who seems to see things from a different view. Remember the Star Wars series? Yoda is one of the most popular and beloved characters.
During his 900 galactic years, he observed and learned many things. The others loved him because he could impart wisdom. According to Entrepreneurship, Luke Skywalker turned to Yoda in his time of need for guidance. Yoda taught him how to use the power of the Universe and his inner strength wisely.
Now, chances are that you have a Yoda in your life. It can be a loving grandmother, a friend, or your partner. Whoever it is that can help you see things at face value and help you gain strength is the one you should seek.
7. Hit the Open Road When You Feel Sadness Creeping up on You
Sometimes you need a change of scenery to help you gain some perspective. It could be your job, toxic living situation, or family troubles contributing to the pain you feel in your heart. Getting away for a while can be refreshing, and it can help you to change your views.
It’s challenging to be upset when you’re sitting at the beach with the waves crashing against you. Get out and see some beautiful sites, which cannot help but improve your sadness.
8. Get Counseling
Cognitive-behavioral therapy has shown great success in helping with mental health disorders. Sometimes it takes a person who’s talked to many people and understands things differently to help you make sense of your feelings. The pain and disappointment you feel are not unique to you, as many people are struggling too.
Knowing that you’re not the only one in this boat can be very therapeutic and help you see that you’re not alone. Plus, great counselors can offer tools to help combat the overwhelming sadness you’re experiencing.
9. Try a Change of Pace and Volunteer
Nothing will change your perspective and heal your heart more than giving back. Around the holiday season, people get all sentimental and want to help those less fortunate. However, there are starving people and those down on their luck all year round.
It can certainly change your heart when you see how hard others have it. It makes you look at your life differently, and the disappointments you beat yourself up over seem to pale in comparison. No, volunteering isn’t going to cure depression and make all your mental health issues go away.
However, it can help you realize your blessings and have the strength to keep going. Nothing can put a smile on your face like hearing someone say, “thank you.” It makes your sadness melt just a little when you see their gratitude.
10. Use Your Higher Power
A study shows that more than 90 percent of people believe in God or a higher power. When you feel disappointment and hopelessness, you must turn to this source for strength.
Why not delve into prayer, meditation, or reading uplifting books? You need this positive source of strength in your life. So if you believe someone is watching over you, turn to them for guidance and help.
11. Cut Toxic Friends from Your Life
If you’re experiencing more than your share of sadness, you might want to examine those in your inner circle. Some people are energy vampires that drain you of your resources and leave you feeling empty.
These feelings can happen when you’re in toxic relationships and have people who use you as a doormat. Sometimes, solving your depression issues can be as easy as changing those you hang out with the most.
12. Try Sadness-Reducing Herbal Supplements
There are many herbal supplements on the market that can help with depression. Things like St. John’s Wart, fish oil, milk thistle, and lavender all have a calming effect on the body. These herbs can help you combat the sadness that overwhelms you.
Of course, you should check with your doctor or pharmacist before you try these therapies to avoid negative interactions.
Final Thoughts on Beating Sadness Naturally
Don’t kick yourself because you feel sad and down. You’ll go through many seasons in life that change just like the wind. One day you’ll be on top of the world and feel like you can conquer Mount Everest, and the next day you will feel such sadness that getting out of bed is a struggle.
You need to learn coping skills and habits to improve and help you through your disappointment and sadness. Once you discover ways to get through the rough patches, you can use your wisdom to help others going through the same thing.
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