This article addresses the concerns of two large groups of people: those who have been depressed and want to prevent a recurrence, and those who have never been depressed and would like to prevent depression from becoming a part of their lives. The ideas and tips given here may not completely prevent depression or its recurrence, but they can certainly help you become healthier and, hopefully, happier.
1) See your health care provider for a complete physical and lab work on a regular basis. Some physical ailments, such as hypothyroidism and anemia, can mimic depression.
2) Pay attention to your diet and to how you eat. Most of us know what kinds of foods to eat: a diet heavy in fresh fruits and vegetables, with adequate protein and carbohydrates. How we eat is also important. For example, skipping meals may cause you to have the symptoms of low blood sugar - including irritability and foggy thinking.
How often and how much to eat are also important. Most of us eat three large meals a day which can actually cause weight gain. Many women find that they eat less and feel less hungry if they "graze" all day on healthy foods, just eating a little at a time.
3) Get enough, and regular, sleep. This is easier said than done, for many women. If necessary, schedule in enough time to sleep every night. It's also important to maintain regular sleep hours, going to bed at the same time every night and getting up at the same time every morning. For more information, read the book The Body Clock Guide to Better Health: How to Use Your Body's Natural Clock to Fight Illness and Achieve Maximum Health by chronobiologist Michael Smolensky.
4) Start, and maintain, a regular exercise routine. You don't have to buy a gym membership if going to the gym isn't your style. You can walk the dog on a regular basis, dance, swim, do water aerobics, or vary your routine so that you don't get bored with it. Look into fun exercises that don't hurt, such as Paul Chek's Swiss ball exercises, or Nia (neurointegrative activity). (See end of article for more details.)
5) Maintain healthy relationships with friends and family. If a relationship is draining you, don't hang on to it.
6) If you love animals and know how to properly care for them, adopt one.
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