Do you suffer from depression? With the stigma on mental health being lifted in recent years, it has been encouraging to see more discussion and more treatments for the debilitating illness.
But did you know that there are natural antidepressants in the foods we eat, and even in our daily routines? If you’re someone who doesn’t like to take too many medications, there may be hope for you in your fight against depression.
But are they effective? Read on to find out more about 5 natural antidepressants and how they work.
Exercise
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In 2013, the University of Toronto decided to study 26 years’ worth of research into the effects of exercise on depression. The review concluded that exercise not only treats depression, it also prevents it. Exercise is truly the best natural antidepressant!
The good news is that you’re not expected to pound a treadmill for hours a day or become an Olympic weightlifter to combat mental health issues. Something as simple as 30 minutes of gardening or walking can have a positive effect.
Mindfulness
Gone are the days when mindfulness and meditation were activities exclusive to hippies and followers of new-age beliefs. Techniques to calm the mind and body are proven to have a positive effect on mental health.
Mindfulness is described as simply taking the time to be aware of your emotions, your sensations, and your surroundings. If you make an effort each morning to have a short time of meditation or mindfulness, you will find yourself starting the day in a more peaceful state.
Roseroot Herb
Roseroot herb, also called Rhodiola, is a natural antidepressant that can be taken as a supplement. The root is known as an adaptogen, which means that it is believed to have qualities that help your brain to adapt to stresses in the body.
This gives roseroot the unique ability to mimic other antidepressants and nootropics such as tianeptine. To learn more about this treatment, check out this guide.
Vitamin D
The human body primarily absorbs vitamin D through exposure to the sun, but it can also be found in food or taken as a supplement. In 2013, Cambridge University found a connection between vitamin D deficiency and depression.
Spending some time out in the sun will regulate serotonin and melatonin, helping you to feel more balanced, and you can pick up a tan at the same time!
Creative Therapies
Art is a great way to express emotion, whether through music, painting, crafting, or anything else creative. A therapeutic environment, alongside a professional, can ensure you make the absolute most of the anti-depressant qualities of creative expression.
Natural Antidepressants Could Help You
If you suffer from depression, it by nature can leave you feeling hopeless, but especially if you don’t want to take pharmaceuticals to help. Thankfully, natural antidepressants are out there, and this guide has hopefully given you some guidance.
Why not explore some of these options and find out if any of them work for you? And if you’re looking for more information and advice on health and wellness, check out the health section of the website.