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The blues, everyone gets them from time to time. We often go through the same routines every day at work, deal with the same pressures, are faced with obstacles we must overcome, bills, money issues, family problems, etc. This can often be overwhelming and what starts out as the blues can eventually lead to a more serious state of depression.

I have found that the blues can be combated by following several simple, but very important lifestyle habits and ways of thinking that will keep you from getting seriously depressed and make you a more motivated, energetic and happy individual. They are as follows: (in no particular order of importance)

1) Exercise on a regular basis
even if it just walking 15 minutes a day, exercise can be a great stress reliever
and
can help boost your serotonin production which a decrease in is known to be the
cause of depression. Other great forms of exercise are playing tennis, running,
swimming and yoga/pilates.

2) Think positive thoughts and surround yourself with positive people.
If you are constantly thinking negative thoughts, your life will soon become very
negative and will be a vicious cycle that is hard to escape. If you are around
negative people all of the time, this negativity will soon rub off on you and you
will develop negative thoughts and feelings. Of course the opposite is true, as
well. If you maintain positive thoughts and surround yourself with positive people,
you are more likely to maintain a healthy, motivated outlook.

3) Get out of daily grind
Change up some things to get you out of the daily grind such as taking a new route
to work, taking on new responsibilities at work, taking up new hobby (such as
writing for Helium!), take a relaxing vacation, take a class at the local community
college.

4) Eat Healthy
I have found that eating junk food and fast food high in calories and fat will
bring you down faster than the speed of light. You feel bloated, low in energy and
yes, eating bad on a routine basis can contribute to being and feeling blue. Eat
lots of fruits and vegetables, seafoods and chicken and drink green tea. You will
find that you are more motivated, high in energy and able to accomplish most
anything.

5) Spirituality
Studies have proven that people who pray, go to church or engage in other spiritual
activities are happier and healthier than those who do not. Plain and simple.
Believing in a higher power and surrounding yourself with others who share the same
belief can be very uplifting and motivating.

These are just a few suggestions that I have found to be helpful in combating and overcoming the blues. I have found myself battling the blues and depression in the past and by adopting these lifestyle habits, I have been able to maintain a happy and healthy outlook, and face every day's challenges and struggles with renewed energy, vigor and vitality!

Learn more about this author, Bruce Gilbert.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

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