by Jessica Nygren

Created on: November 22, 2007   Last Updated: May 22, 2010

10 REAL Ways to Beat Depression

1. Listen to your body. Chronic pain syndrome is a leading cause of depression. If you're suffering from any type of consistent pain go see a doctor, chiropractor or physiotherapist immediately. Massage therapy, acupuncture or yoga classes are also a great way to heal the body.

2. Watch what you eat. Log your meals in a food diary. Food intolerance or allergies can cause a myriad of problems. Mood swings, IBS, upset stomach and more. Coffee, chocolate, wheat, dairy and alcohol are the usual suspects. Try eliminating those first.

3. Sleep well. Sleep disturbances are at the top of the list for causing depression. Find a way to get well-rested and stick to a routine. A sleepy rundown brain is not a happy one.

4. Stay active. Exercise is amazing. It releases all those feel good hormones and helps you look great too. You know the saying, "Look good, feel good"? It's true!

5. Monitor stress. Also another culprit...stress is extremely harmful to the whole body. Find out what stresses are in your day to day life. Eliminate them or work with family and friends to ease as much stress as possible. If you can, drop everything and take some time out to heal.

6. Find motivation. Depression can play tricks on your brain. While in a low mood, the last thing we feel is motivated. If you can't find motivation then fake it. You'd be surprised at how intoxicating a little success is. Completing tasks, goals or even just finishing a craft project gives you a sense of pride. Pride creates a sense of strength, something sad people don't usually have enough of.

7. Help people, listen to a friends problems, donate or volunteer. Again this will give you a feeling of pride and success not to mention the satisfaction of making someone else feel good while putting your own grievances aside for a while.

8. Pamper yourself. Hot baths, aroma therapy candles, a new outfit, a pay-per-view game etc...Just spoil yourself. It's hard when you feel down because often we don't feel we deserve to feel good. It's not true! You are allowed to feel good no matter what the circumstances are. Even if for just a few hours let go of your problems and give the gift of a good feeling to yourself. After all, feeling great even if for only a moment can be very inspiring. Inspiration creates motivation.

9. Check out your physical surroundings. Is it a mess? Dirty? Cluttered? You don't want any of that. Tidy, clean and organize a little at a time or call a friend or family member to come and help. Don't let yourself feel overwhelmed. It's not a chore or something you "have to do". Blast some comforting music, have a reward for yourself once the job is done and then bask in the glory of another accomplishment. This also helps by creating a "clear head" space. Constantly looking at unorganized clutter can affect your day-to-day thoughts.

10. Take a look at your personal relationships. Is there someone in your life causing stress, worry, anger or sadness? If so, then take one of two actions ASAP. Either talk it out, go to counseling or write a letter, or just let it go. If you can't fix the problem then it may be easier to take a break from this person. Often, some time away from someone you're having difficulties with can really put the problem into perspective.

Learn more about this author, Jessica Nygren.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.