Everyone suffers from the blues from time to time, but those temporary mood lapses don’t have to last long. With these easy blues busters, you can lift your spirits for happier days and nights. Be inspired by these tips and say goodbye to the blues for good!
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Sunlight provides us with a healthy dose of vitamin D – a nutrient that has found to be lacking in many suffering with depression today. Light also boosts our spirits naturally, particularly when it is enjoyed in the fresh, outdoor air. Experts have found that people need a minimum of 30 minutes of sun every day to maintain optimal physical and mental health.
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Get Your Shut-Eye
Many people who think they are suffering with the blues are actually just run down and tired. Make sure you are getting seven to eight hours of sleep every night to ensure you have enough energy to get you through the entire day.
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Listen to Tunes
Music tames the savage beast, so it can surely help improve your mood. Plug in your iPod and groove to your favorite tunes whenever you are feeling low. However, keep your volume at a low level, since loud noise directly in the ear results in hearing loss, which can also lead to depression in some individuals.
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Get Moving
One of the best spirit lifters is good, old-fashioned exercise that raised the feel good endorphin levels in our body. You don’t have to work up a serious sweat to chase the blues away; a simple stroll through your neighborhood should do the trick. If you find the blues striking with some frequency, a regular workout program may be the most effective way to keep those sad feelings at bay.
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Change Your Scenery
If you are sitting in your house feeling yucky, get out and go to the mall, restaurant or library for a change of scenery. If the blues hit at work, leave your office for a short walk around the building or grab a bite nearby. Changing your scenery often changes your perspective, and that is usually sufficient for a serious mood boost.
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Eat Right
Most of us reach for sugary carbs when the blues strike, but this is the worst choice if you want to lift your spirits. Instead, opt for complex carbs high in fiber, as well as protein-rich foods that will increase your energy and undoubtedly improve your mood. A dose of fresh fruits or vegetables will also supply with necessary nutrients to keep you in top physical condition, which will keep the blues at bay as well.
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Go Holistic
There are many natural approaches to fighting depression, including meditation, biofeedback and aromatherapy. Some herbal supplements, like St. John’s Wort, also have been found to elevate mood. Talk to your doctor before taking any supplement to ensure it is safe for you.
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Find a Buddy
Spending time with a friend is a great way to feel like yourself once again. Choose a person you feel comfortable sharing your feelings with and go out for coffee or a meal together. Talk about what is troubling you and get their input on how to deal with it. Whether you laugh or cry together, the time spent socializing will boost your confidence and give you a proper perspective on life.
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What to Avoid
Many natural temptations during a bout of the blues will actually leave you feeling worse than you started. Cigarettes, alcohol and drugs may seem to improve your mood over the short term, but they will eventually make your situation even direr. As tempting as it might be, forget these habits when the blues strike and opt for healthier solutions that promise to offer the desired effect.
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See a Doctor
When you just can’t seem to shake those blues, you may actually be suffering from depression. Depression is a very treatable medical condition that can effectively be addressed through a combination of medication and counseling. If you find yourself in a slump more often than not, talk to your doctor about your possible treatment options.
While the blues can strike without warning at any time, there are things that you can do to combat them. By taking good care of yourself with the right foods, exercise and sunshine, you can maintain a positive spirit and keep sad feelings to a minimum. Socializing with friends, enjoying your favorite music and indulging in activities you enjoy are also effective blues busters. The right tools, like those listed above, will help you meet the blues head-on for happier, more peaceful days throughout your life.
