35 Ways to Defeat Depression

The key to coping with and overcoming depression can be boiled down to just five words:

Take better care of yourself.

Easier said then done, right? We have compiled a list below of practical, simple things that you can implement on a daily basis. But remember, we are not suggesting that you jump in with both feet and try all of these things! The best way to do this is to start small and take carefully considered baby steps towards your goal of defeating depression in the long run. Eventually taking these small steps becomes a habit, and like any habit will be hard to break. Before you know it, you have achieved that magical thing — momentum — and set yourself on a path to being a happier person.

1. Exercise regularly. Some simple ways to get exercise:

• Gentle stretching
• Take a daily walk
• Take the stairs instead of the elevator
• Park your car farther away
• Stand whenever you can (while talking on the phone or watching television, for example).

2. Eat a healthy diet.

3. Sleep more.

4. Keep a journal.

5. Think positive thoughts.

6. Establish a routine.

7. Set small, achievable goals, and celebrate when you achieve them.

8. Minimize stress wherever you can.

9. Talk to a therapist.

10. Make a conscious effort to stay involved with your friends and ones.

11. Keep up with social activities.

12. Join a depression support group.

13. Take up a new hobby or activity — maybe something you have never tried before, or go back to something you used to love.

14. Ask a family member to check in on you from time to time and see how you are feeling.

15. Reach out to an old friend.

16. Schedule a weekly dinner date or other regular outings.

17. Meet new people by joining a club or taking a class.

18. Get some sun every single day.

19. Speak to someone (anyone!) face-to-face every day.

20. Spend time in nature.

21. Make a list of your best qualities or accomplishments.

22. Read a good book.

23. Indulge yourself in a way that you normally wouldn’t (a facial, manicure, pedicure or a massage).

24. Listen to happy music and dance with abandon.

25. Take a relaxing, hot bath.

26. Watch a funny or uplifting television show or movie.

27. Do something spontaneous.

28. Play with a pet, or take it a step further and get a pet of your own.

29. Try relaxation techniques. This can be as simple as deep breathing in a quiet environment, or even yoga or meditation.

30. Drink less alcohol.

31. Cry it out. It can really be cathartic.

32. Face a window whenever you can.

33. Let yourself be less than perfect.

34. Try to surround yourself with positive people and energy.

35. Go to the doctor and see if there is any medical reason that may be the culprit.

Article courtesy of 50 Plus Report Editorial Team

50 PLUS REPORT NEWS TEAM — Germany Kent, Reporter/Host/Producer

Germany Kent is a TV journalist with numerous credits as an accomplished Host, Reporter, Film/TV and Commercial Actress and Author. She has appeared in TV shows such as Jessie, Criminal Minds, Graceland and featured several times in Star Trek: Into Darkness. Germany has achieved impressive commercial success appearing in TV commercials for Nike, Coors Light, Verizon, Dove, and multiple spots for Disney. On the red-carpet, she has interviewed Oscar, Golden-Globe, Emmy, and Grammy-Award Winning Actors and Performers as well as Sports Moguls, famed Producers & Directors, political figures and business leaders. Germany is a sought-after correspondent, ranking as one of the country’s top social media leaders, having authored ten non-fiction social media books on (mind, body, & spirit) titled, The Hope Handbook Series and You Are What you Tweet, which have all received great reviews. Germany has a Masters degree and is an Honor graduate of The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa where she majored in Public Relations, and attended on a Full Scholarship.