Recommended Lifestyle Changes For People With Anxiety and Depression

Mental HealthJuly 9, 2017

When suffering from the problem of anxiety and depression, lifestyle changes can be simple but powerful treatment tools. Lifestyle changes are an essential component of an approach to treatment that is integrated. Some cases of anxiety and depression have been relieved simply by making lifestyle changes.

While lifestyle changes can definitely help in alleviating some of the problems related to this condition, it is expressly advisable to seek first without delay if you are suffering from moderate to severe depression or anxiety. Similarly, if you suffer from mild depression but notice no changes after making lifestyle changes, seek professional help. What kind of lifestyle changes can help people with the problem of anxiety and depression?

“Your depression is connected to your insolence and refusal to praise.” —Rumi

Exercise

Perhaps the most important way to start making lifestyle changes would be to get involved with exercising. Numerous studies show that exercise is an effective method to elevate the mood. Relief has also been found for people who are suffering from anxiety because of the increased physical activity.

Exercise can stimulate the body to produce serotonin and endorphins, chemicals in the brain that can alleviate depression. However, it only provides a partial explanation of the positive impact of exercise on the condition of depression.

Regular participation in an exercise program can help the affected individual to:

Boost self-confidence.
Increase self-esteem.
Create a sense of empowerment.
Enhance relationships and social connections.

The above factors can have a positive impact on depressed or anxious individuals.

Beginning A Walking Program

Taking a walk for just 30 minutes every day will significantly reduce the risk of major chronic conditions. Therefore, you must include a walking regimen in your exercise program.

Diet

One of the most metabolically active parts of the body is the brain. As such, it requires a steady stream of nutrients in order to function. People with a poor diet may not provide the brain the nutrients it needs to produce neurotransmitters and may provoke the symptoms of depression and anxiety. People who are already suffering from this condition should utilize the following recommendations.

Have a healthy diet. It is essential to fill your plate with fresh whole foods, drink plenty of water, and get sufficient calcium. You should also make an attempt to keep fats low to stay in line with the current guidelines.

Take care of your stomach. You should take supplemental probiotics too or additional cultures. Fermented foods such as yogurt can help support the digestive system.

Cutting the sweetened beverages. Some of the major contributors to depression are sweetened tea, soda, and fruit punch. Recent studies have revealed that people who take four cans of soda every day are more likely to be depressed than people who don’t. People who take unsweetened coffee regularly reported fewer symptoms of depression than the people who did not have any coffee.

Go decaf. Decaffeinated coffee may be a good choice for many people because studies have revealed that long-term use of caffeine is a cause for anxiety. People who use caffeine regularly are advised to cut back gradually because they would have developed a dependence on caffeine.

Refrain From Alcohol Consumption

People suffering from anxiety and depression should give up alcohol consumption completely. Alcohol has been classified as a depressant. Also, people with depression have more problems with alcohol consumption. If you have an underlying condition, it is crucial to address it right away.

“Concern should drive us into action and not into a depression. No man is free who cannot control himself.” — Pythagoras

These lifestyle changes can be used by people who are suffering from mild to moderate depression and anxiety. However, professional help must be sought if the conditions are severe as we have mentioned earlier.