Helpful tips about depression

The other day I ran accross an article from the American Heart Association regarding what they recommend to do, if you or anyone you know is suffering from mild to prolonged or severe Depression. So much is going on in our world today and so many people are discouraged and disillusioned that I thought I would share what the article said. It is nothing new, mostly things we know, but it doesn't hurt to hear it again.


Adopting the following habits is a way to help protect you from the harmful effects of depression-related stress.


Talk with family and friends
A dialy dose of friendship is great medicine. Call or write your friends and family and share your feelings, hopes and joys.


Engage in daily physical activity
Regular physical activity relieves mental and physical tension. Physically active adults have lower risk of depression and loss of mental functioning. Physical activity can be a great source of pleasure, too. Try walking, swimming, biking or dancing evey day.


Accept the things you cannot change
Don't say, "I am too old." You can still learn new things, work toward a goal, love and help others.


Remember to laugh
Laughter makes you feel good. Don't be afraid to laugh out loud at a joke, a funny movie or a comic strip, even when you are alone.


Give up the bad habits
Too much alcohol, cigarettes or caffeine can increase stress. If you smoke, decide to quit now.


Slow down
Try to pace instead of race. Plan ahead and allow enough time to get the most important things done.


Get enough sleep
Try to get six to eight hours of sleep each night. If you can't sleep, take steps to help reduce stress and increase your physical activity which may improve the quality of sleep.


Get organized
Use "to do" lists to help you focus on your most important tasks. Approach "big" tasks one step at a time. For example, start by organizing just one part of your life-your car, desk, kitchen, closet, cupboard or drawer.


Practice giving back
Volunteer your time or return a favor to a friend. Helping others helps you.


Try not to worry
The world won't end if your grass isn't mowed.


These are such common sence advice and we don't need to work on them all at one time, but if we can make it a point to work on one thing and master that, then we can go on to the next and the next, and the next, until we get thru them all. Although I try to practice many of them myself, there are still some that I struggle with or need to work on, but that's what makes life interesting...keep learning and doing new things and when you see the positive results you will want to do more.

It's all Part of the Dance

I just finished reading a real good, uplifting book by Dr. Alan Gettis, it's called: It's all Part of the Dance: Finding Happiness in an Upside Down World. We are all looking to make our lives a little bit better and a little bit happier....so if you are looking to exchange Unhappiness for a little more Happiness and want to take control of your life, this is a great book to read.

You can read my complete review on Amazon.com