How To Beat Winter Blues

Winter can be long, dark and hard. The ‘Winter Blues’ or Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) describes a type of depression brought abought by the Winter period. The signs of the Winter Blues are similar to symptoms of depression – feeling hopeless, weight change, lethargy, inability to concentrate, irritability, desire to withdraw and disinterest. So, how can you beat the winter blues?

For many people it’s the darkness and weather that brings these feelings on. Weather conditions can be limiting and lead to feelings of being trapped or housebound. For many of us, our activities and social interactions become severely limited.

Relief From Winter Blues

Focus on the Positives of Winter

Try and make the most of some of the activities that are best enjoyed in Winter like snuggling in front of a fire, winter sports, Christmas markets, hot chocolate and sledding. Enjoy some nights in watching your favourite feel good movies or keep yourself busy with a DIY or craft project so your home is in great shape when you get to Summer.

Plan for Indoor Activities

Painting, reading, sewing – there are lots of activities that you can enjoy indoors. Plan for one of these as Winter approaches and make sure you have everything you need. If you have something you enjoy doing, and that keeps your mind busy and motivated, you are less likely to succumb to any negative feelings.

Pick Yourself Up with Thoughts of Summer

Take some time to think about your Summer. Perhaps look at some holiday brochures and plan a trip. Find some great places for Summer days out. Tell yourself Winter is not permanent and it will soon be Spring again.

Dress Up for Winter

Make sure your Winter wardrobe is kept up to date. You want practical, warm and fun clothes that make you feel good. This will mean you feel comfortable heading outdoors and making the most of the activities available.

Stay Active

Exercise is extremely important to our happiness as it produces chemicals that make us feel happy. If your usual activities are hampered by Winter weather, make sure you have a plan B. There’s still lots of things you can do to keep active. Maybe try a new keep fit class which gets you out and meeting new people. Need help finding the motivation for exercise?

Light & Sun

If you get a chance to enjoy some Winter sun make sure you take it. Even if it’s just sitting by the window with a good book. If you can manage to take a break in a sunnier climate, that might provide some relief. If the hours of darkness get too much you can also buy special lamps that mimic sunlight.

Winter Blues Self-Care

Sun can be very good for our bodies and skin and generally makes us feel good. In Winter the weather can leave us feeling a bit drained and pale with dry or cracking skin. Look after yourself by eating well, moisturising and avoiding overly hot showers to keep your skin soft and supple. Don’t give up on your self-care routines if they make you feel good just because you’re hidden under that Winter jumper!

Further Help for Winter Blues

If you feel like this time of year gets on top of you and you’d like help learning how to pick yourself up, please do contact me to learn how I can help you.

Alix Needham

My techniques guarantee that you remain in control at every session. These techniques, developed over 25 years, are so effective that many issues can be addressed in as little as three sessions and my location in the very heart of London means you can book sessions to work around work.

Top Tips to Help Depression
Do you want help for depression? So many clients come to me with feelings of emptiness, numbness or fogginess. A lack of motivation, a feeling of being lost and reduced happiness when doing things that you previously enjoyed – these are all signs of depression and shouldn’t be ignored. The odd bout of feeling low is something we all go through from time to time. But sometimes the feeling simply doesn’t go away. That is called depression. For those who suffer with depression, life can be become a daily grind that appears to have no end. Depression is an illness which affects millions of people so if you’re suffering you are definitely not alone. No matter the severity or causes of your depression it’s worth seeking help before things get harder. Don’t endure when you can enjoy again. Depression and low mood has a huge variety of presentations and severities. It’s worth saying that the tips below may not work for everyone. Some people will find them helpful in combatting their symptoms, others may not and may prefer to seek professional help straight away. You know yourself best. Please do seek help if you need it. Symptoms of Depression Typical symptoms include a lack of interest in anything, low self-esteem, irritability and no motivation. These are just a few of the symptoms typically displayed by depression sufferers. The question that many ask is, are there ways of relieving my depression, without resorting to prescription medication? What are the natural treatments for depression? Below are a few of the top tips to help with your depression… 1) What’s causing your feelings? Firstly, depression can be triggered by stress related problems such as financial or work related issues. Once you have realised what is causing your depression, then make a positive plan with small individual steps towards solving it. 2) Developing interests Secondly, one of the primary reasons for depression is quite simply boredom. Cultivate and develop new interests, whether this involves joining a new Salsa class or simply joining a gym. The key is to create a positive mental attitude by engaging in an interest which motivates you. 3) Being realistic Many people become depressed when they feel that they have failed at achieving their goals in life. The key here is taking stock of the situation and adjusting your goals so they are more achievable. Break large goals into smaller steps and reward yourself for each step achieved. 4) Eat, sleep and exercise well If you can muster the motivation to cook some fresh food and do a little exercise it will be good for you. 5) Change your environment Try getting outside and enjoying nature if you can. Even the smallest changes to your space can make a big difference. A tidy of your desk, some new art on the walls or a new pot plant perhaps? 6) Look outside yourself Sometimes when we become too focused on ourselves or our troubles we can start to spiral. Many people find it helpful to take a look outside themselves. Find other people who understand your situation and may be able to support. Open yourself up to other people’s experiences and troubles. Many other people may be struggling with similar or worse things. A lot of people find it helps them feel better when they concentrate on helping other people, taking on a new volunteering role for example. 7) Curb negativity spirals When a person suffers with depression they tend to get stuck in negativity spirals. The more they focus on their troubles the worse they seem and the less energised they become. There are ways that you can snap yourself out of this spiral. Even a small amount of perspective can give you a brief restbite to catch your breath or a moment to practise some much needed self care. 8) Don’t turn to bad habits Often people come to me for help with drinking problems or other bad habits or addictions without fully realising that depression is the cause. If you can, avoid turning to coping mechanisms like this as they only make things worse. 9) Change behaviour Try and take a look at your behaviour patterns. Are there any that are unhelpful or damaging? Sometimes we get stuck in patterns that we can’t change. An outside perspective may help. Hypnotherapy for Depression If you feel like you need immediate help with depression you can visit your GP, contact the Samaritans or call 111. If you’d like to try something else, hypnotherapy is helpful for those suffering from depression. Clinical trials have shown it is an effective drug free treatment. In addition, a qualified hypnotherapist will be able to help you deal with your issues and work on an individual treatment plan. Depression is no longer a condition which goes untreated. In modern society, we are far more aware of depression and its related issues. The key to successful treatment is choosing the most effective therapy. Book a Free Consultation Today Can I help you with depression? Please do contact me to learn more. Further Reading on Depression Overcoming Depression Beating Anxiety and Depression 10 Signs of Depression The Real Difference Between Low Mood And Depression Treating Depression With Hypnotherapy
Treating Depression Naturally Without Medication
So many of us struggle with low mood and depression but medication can feel like a big step. Whilst it is right for some, many people want to try treating depression naturally first. “I felt so low, I just wanted to hide away and not see anyone ever again. I hated feeling this way, as my depression was causing problems at work and with my family, which made me feel even worse.” Debilitating Depression Sound familiar? It’s a typical comment made by someone suffering from depression. Not your everyday type of depression that everyone gets now and then, but persistent depression that lasts for a long time and never seems to end. The fact is that depression can hit anyone at anytime. Although for some it can relieve itself, for others it continues and has a detrimental effect on the lives of them and those close to them. What Causes Depression? There can be many reasons why someone develops depression but usually it involves a variety of factors such as stress and anxiety. In today’s modern society that’s so fast paced and demanding, it’s perhaps not surprising. Treating Depression The key question with depression is how to treat it. Traditional medicines and therapies can take quite some time to actually start having any effect, in some cases months. Plus, many drugs prescribed for depression are known to have significant side effects. This is why many look to find a way of treating depression naturally. And this is where hypnotherapy can help. How Does Hypnotherapy for Depression Work? It works because, unlike traditional medicines, it is a natural and safe method of treatment that gets to the heart of the problem. So instead of masking the symptoms or changing the way your body deals with it, hypnosis deals with the reasons why you’re feeling depressed and brings about a resolution of the causes of your low mood . Hypnosis can be successful in treating depression in a relatively short period of time. Treatment Options for Depression Whether you use it in combination with or in place of medication, hypnotherapy is a powerful anti-depression tool that’s well worth considering. Really, what harm can it do? If you’d like to explore hypnotherapy treatment for depression further why not contact me today and we can talk through your options and how my unique style of tailored hypnotherapy can help you finally start to feel like yourself again. Whether you’re looking for hypnotherapy sessions online or face to face meetings in my London hypnotherapy clinic, I am flexible, friendly and experienced. Enquire Now Further Reading on Depression The Real Difference Between Low Mood And Depression Online Hypnotherapy 10 Signs of Depression How to Overcome Depression in London 10 Ways to Help You Beat Depression
Depression Treatment in London
Are you looking for depression treatment in London? If so, there is a successful treatment available from Hypnotherapist Alix Needham. Seeking Depression Treatment However, taking positive steps when you’re depressed can be hard. In fact, you may be finding it a struggle even to get out of bed. Dealing with depression is not always easy but it is not impossible. Feeling helpless, useless and having little energy is a sign of depression. Your thoughts may be traveling in circles. You might find yourself standing still rather than moving forward. Low mood can leave you feeling like you’re carrying a heavy weight Sometimes life can feel just too much. In addition you may find you are losing your appetite or eating all the time. Maybe not sleeping or tired all the time. In a similar fashion, computers have a mechanism that switches off when overloaded. This is what depression is like. It’s a protective device. So if you’re suffering with any of these symptoms then it’s time to seek professional treatment. Tips to Overcome Depression 1 – One step at a time Try tackling one thing at a time when coming to terms with your depression. Your negative feelings of hopelessness will eventually disappear. Doing something that makes you feel you have been productive will help, even if it’s as simple as a one load of washing. 2 – Talk/reach out Depression, especially in a big city like London, may cause us to isolate ourselves. In addition, keeping our thoughts tightly locked up usually makes us feel worse. Talking to a trusted friend or professional can help you stop worrying. Simply expressing yourself can remove some of the fear that you may be experiencing. 3 – Do something you enjoy Make the effort to bring something you enjoy into your life at least once a day. Such as watching a funny movie or dancing to music. This will give you more energy. Attending to more boring tasks will become easier. Be realistic about what you really enjoy doing and pace yourself 4 – Reality Test Having a low mood maybe causing you to jump to conclusions. For instance, a friend may be late for an appointment. Instead of feeling rejected take into account that they may be stuck in traffic etc. Stop taking things so personally. 5 – Exercise Research has shown that physical exercise helps your mood releasing your body’s natural uplifting chemicals. Finding an exercise you truly enjoy will stop the routine from becoming a chore. You may enjoy swimming or it could be salsa dancing. Meeting new people as you take part in exercise can help you feel better about life. 6 – Taking care of yourself While you can’t force yourself to have fun. Do something to break your routine. Expressing yourself creatively through music, art, or writing. Going out with friends. Taking a day trip to a museum, the mountains, or the park. 7 – A good diet What you are eating has a direct impact on the way you’re feeling. Aiming to eat a balanced diet of protein, complex carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables will help you in overcoming your feelings of depression. 8 –Getting professional help If you’re finding your depression is not improving, seek professional depression treatment in London or across my online platforms. Needing additional help doesn’t mean you’re weak. Sometimes the negative thinking in depression can make you feel you’re a lost cause, but depression can be treated and you can begin feeling better! Feel free to contact me for your completely free initial consultation. I can offer sessions face to face in my London hypnotherapy clinic or via online hypnotherapy from the comfort of your own home. Further Reading on Depression The Real Difference Between Low Mood And Depression Treating Depression With Hypnotherapy 10 Signs of Depression How to Overcome Depression in London Online Hypnotherapy 10 Ways to Help You Beat Depression
10 Signs of Depression
We all have bad days feeling down and the outlook looking bleak. It’s normal – no one can feel happy all the time. But how do we know when sadness and low mood are something more? What are the signs of depression? Over my long career I have helped many people struggling with depression. Moreover, the sooner you spot the signs and seek help, the better. Not all the signs of depression are easy to spot. However, here are ten possible indicators to look out for. 1. Tiredness & Apathy Are you lacking in energy? Even for those activities that previously excited you? Maybe your sleep pattern is disturbed? Or, are you spending more time in bed feeling fatigued? 2. Irritability & Aggression When feeling sad, hopeless or lost, some people can also feel angry. This can manifest itself as aggression or hostility. Are you feeling angry without knowing why? It could be you’re suffering with depression. 3. Appetite & Weight Change People who previously enjoyed cooking and food may suddenly lose interest and forget to eat. Conversely, a slim, healthy person may suddenly start comfort eating. Drastic changes in weight or a changed relationship with food can be a sign of depression. 4. Trouble Concentrating or Making Simple Decisions Simple questions such as what to wear, where you want to go for dinner can a become a minefield. You may simply not care enough about the answer. A tired and clouded mind struggles to concentrate on even simple tasks. 5. Unexplained Aches & Pains The body often manifests depression physically as aches and pains or headaches. As the body becomes less active, it becomes more tired and less nourished. Unfortunately, becoming less healthy as well. Moreover, our darkened mind notices and escalates every single pain. 6. Anxiety and Negative Thoughts A person with depression may be unable to shake negative or damaging thoughts. They may obsess over past failures, guilt or fears or feel anxious or paranoid. 7. Change in Music Tastes A drastic change in someone’s musical tastes can be a sign of what’s going on in their mind. Perhaps only listening to sad music. Or avoiding anything that reminds them of a certain person or event. 8. Loss of Identity People with depression just don’t seem themselves anymore. They may lose their sense of humour, communicate less or seem less loving or caring. Perhaps they struggle to spend time with their family or have given up on previously loved hobbies. 9. Substance Abuse Many depressed people turn to drink or drugs to numb themselves or help them sleep. If you feel like your relationship with either of these is becoming damaging you should seek professional help. 10. Isolation Spending increasing amounts of time alone can be a sign of depression. This is due to finding little pleasure in other people’s company. As well as feeling like you can’t connect with them anymore. In short they don’t understand you and your reality. Professional Help for Depression Sometimes it can be hard to talk to your friends and family about these symptoms. So many people are turning to a neutral and supportive professional for help. I have helped many people overcome depression And I can help you too. If you’d like to discuss any of the above symptoms please do get in touch. Further Reading on Signs of Depression Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Treatment Help for Anger That’s Out of Control Hypnosis for Weight Loss Online Generalised Anxiety Disorder Treatment The Difference Between Low Mood & Depression
The Real Difference Between Low Mood And Depression
Treating Depression With Hypnotherapy
People often ask …What are the benefits of treating depression with hypnotherapy? Let’s take a look… What Causes Depression? Depression and mental heath issues are becoming very common in society. Often it’s a brief episode brought on by a specific life event. For some, it is a long-term struggle with no obvious cause. Either way, it has significant impacts on people’s lives. As well as sometimes causing issues like alcohol dependency and relationship problems, How to Treat Depression Many people opt for chemical treatments for depression. However, others prefer natural treatment. Furthermore, some choose to combine the two in their treatment plan. Many studies are showing that hypnotherapy is an effective treatment for depression. In many cases, outperforming other treatments options such as CBT. How Does Depression Hypnotherapy Work? Many other conditions such as generalised anxiety disorder or post-traumatic anxiety often go hand in hand with depression. Therefore, my treatments address all aspects of a person’s needs. They provide an all-round treatment. So you don’t have to worry about labelling your exact issues before you come. Depression and Anxiety Treatment Hypnosis helps to reduce anxious thoughts and feelings associated with depression. Likewise, addressing the root causes of depression. Other outcomes include developing reliable coping strategies. As well as helping clear the mind of negative thoughts. In short, hypnotherapy develops a more positive outlook by bringing about positive changes. And, in addition, a new sense of freedom, wellbeing and control over unwanted thought patterns. This results in long-term coping strategies and improvement in mood. Book Your Free Consultation for Depression If you’d like to discuss how I can help you please do get in touch. Or read more about how a hypnotherapy consultation works here. Further Reading on Hypnotherapy for Depression Overcoming Depression Case Study: Depression The Real Difference Between Low Mood And Depression Generalised Anxiety Disorder Treatment Treating depression naturally
How to Overcome Depression in London
London, like many other big cities, can be a stressful and lonely place sometimes and this is having an effect on its inhabitants. A study conducted by the National Centre for Social Research and the University of Leicester found that 12% of men and 20% of women living in London had symptoms of depression. So, how can we overcome depression in London or anywhere else? Our capital is famed for its bustling streets, large disparities in wealth and lifestyle and for being a hotbed of competition and talent. The pressures of work, the disconnected social structure of such a busy city and the sometimes stark surroundings can all have an impact on our psychological state. Here are some tips for anyone living in London looking to help avoid or overcome depression. Recognise the Symptoms of Depression It’s important to recognise the symptoms of depression and anything that seems to trigger these in you. If you feel worthless, helpless, tired, restless, empty, have lost your appetite or stopped enjoying things you enjoyed previously, you may have depression. There are changes you can make in your life to reduce these feelings. Eliminate Negativity If there’s a particular situation, person or relationship that is making you unhappy or is toxic, you might be best eliminating it from your life. Be sure that this is the cause before you act though. Talking to a professional might help you work through your feelings. Encourage Positivity Encourage any situation, behaviour or relationship that makes you feel good about yourself. Spending more time with positive and upbeat people can influence our own thought patterns. Seek out activities you really enjoy. Exercise is known to increase feelings of happiness so this is often a good starting point. Find a New Passion London has a huge array of different types of people, organisations and support groups. Get out and meet new people doing an activity you love, or find a support group where you can talk about your problems. Local places such as libraries are good places to meet likeminded people or just a safe haven to start getting out and about. Spending time with other people or amongst nature almost always raises our mood. Be Mindful Train yourself to notice happy moments throughout the day such as a bird singing or a child playing. This might be hard at first but exercises like this draw our minds away from the negative. If you find yourself obsessing over negative thoughts, try to focus on the present moment and engage your senses to stop the negative cycle. I often help my clients with techniques like this. Help Others London is a city with a lot of charities, projects and people in need. Try volunteering to help with some of these. You’ll get to meet new people, feel a sense of purpose and experience something new. Introspection and isolation usually make depression worse. Safe and Effective Therapy for Depression Research suggests that depressed Londoners are less keen on chemical treatments such as antidepressants than sufferers in other parts of Britain. The Health and Social Care Information Centre reported that the capital had the lowest rates of antidepressant prescription in the country. Many Londoners who see me are seeking a safer and effective alternative to medication. I recommend my unique blend of advanced hypnotherapy, EFT and NLP which can help you overcome symptoms in a short period of time with positive effects that can last a lifetime. For more information or a free consultation please do get in touch. Further Reading on Depression 10 Signs of Depression How to Deal with Loneliness Increase Motivation to Exercise Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Treatment The Real Difference Between Low Mood and Depression Treating Depression with Hypnotherapy
10 Ways to Help You Beat Depression
Depression can be a debilitating condition for both those affected and their families and friends. When sadness or low moods evolve into something more serious, treatment for depression becomes a necessity. Here are 10 ways to help you beat depression… Many traditional drug treatments can take months to be effective and come with unpleasant side effects. Alternative treatment options, such as hypnotherapy, can be hugely powerful in resetting the mind and uncovering the root cause of problems. Many sufferers prefer this natural, safe and drug-free treatment option. Other things than can help in recovery include… 1. Know your enemy Try to learn more about depression and how it affects the mind. Talk to a professional, friend, or other sufferers. Read up on the signs of depression and how they might manifest themselves. It’s good to know you aren’t alone and the more you understand depression the better you can fight it. 2. Seek help for Depression You should seek help if you feel that your depression is severe. Consider hypnotherapy, NLP, EFT or support groups. There are also some therapies which involve art, music or animals which are all known to have calming and healing properties. Find the one that is right for you. 3. Take care of your body When suffering with depression you’ll often lose motivation when facing tasks you found simple before. This could include grooming and caring for yourself. Try and focus on keeping your body healthy as this will help you foster a healthy mind. Eat well, maintain a good sleep routine and exercise regularly. 4. Grow a support network Support from friends and family can be very helpful when trying to overcome depression. Support from people who understand what you’re going through can also help such as support groups, online forums and therapists. 5. Positive people Surround yourself with positive people. Try to eliminate any negative or destructive relationships from your life. Spending time with positive people will help you refocus your own mind and beat depression. 6. Keep busy Although you may have lost some of the enthusiasm for fun activities, remember what you used to enjoy and try to discover it again. Start slow and don’t expect instant results. Gradually you should find you start to remember how it felt to have fun. 7. Treat yourself Treat yourself as you would treat a friend. Don’t blame yourself for these feelings or any lack of progress. You cannot help the way you feel. Try a little bit every day. Look after yourself, be kind and positive and give yourself little treats. 8. Focus on others Sometimes the focus on ourselves and our own feelings can become overwhelming and all-consuming. One of the most powerful ways to help overcome depression can be to take a step back and focus on others. Perhaps you could help a friend in need or start volunteering? 9. Manage stress Stress and anxiety will not help your depression so combat them with relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga. Many people find going to classes or talks on subjects such as positivity and mindfulness very rewarding. 10. Change your negative thought patterns The overall aim is to reframe negative thoughts patterns and break free of any destructive cycles. You can help yourself by completing positivity exercises. A therapist will also be able to lead you through this powerful process. Hypnotherapy to Beat Depression Hypnotherapy is the perfect alternative or complimentary therapy for depression as it seeks to find root causes and alleviate the symptoms through effective treatment. It is completely safe and drug free so many people choose to try it before medication. If you’d like more information on how I help people overcome depression or you’d like to book a free consultation please get in touch today. Further Reading on Depression The Real Difference Between Low Mood And Depression Treating Depression With Hypnotherapy 10 Ways to Help You Beat Depression Treating depression naturally Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Treatment: Why am I tired all the time?
Beating Anxiety and Depression
Anxiety and Depression Experience “To say I felt alone would be an understatement. To everyone outside of my bubble, it looked as if I was happy, however on my own at night I would cry myself to sleep. I felt so low, almost suicidal and I couldn’t talk to anyone about how I felt. It was the loneliest place in the world and the darkest.” Linked Conditions Depression and anxiety are common psychological problems that many people experience in their lives to a lesser or greater degree. If left untreated this form of mental anguish can have a profound effect on an individual. Some people do the best they can to cope on their own and try to mask their symptoms from others. However, ignoring or denying these painful feelings and not seeking help may cause the problem to worsen. Why am I Anxious and Depressed? There can be many reasons why people become depressed and anxious. It may be due to stressful circumstances within the family or work related problems. Other’s suffer due to unresolved issues from childhood where painful experiences have never been expressed. The key to finding a solution and respite from these debilitating conditions is to gain personal insight into the reasons for your depression and anxiety. Treating Anxiety and Depression One of the main problems with treating depression is that the pharmaceutical methods such as drugs can take quite some time to actually have any effect. Coupled with the fact that many of the prescribed medications have some unfortunate side effects, it is easy to see why many people turn to more natural depression treatments. Hypnotherapy for Anxiety and Depression Hypnotherapy is one such form of treatment that has been clinically shown to help people in beating depression and anxiety. The reason for this is that unlike many treatment options, especially prescribed drugs that simply mask the symptoms, hypnosis allows a trained practitioner to find out what is really causing the depression and anxiety. By finding out the root cause, and providing help and support, painful symptoms can significantly improve. Please do contact me to learn more. Further Reading Generalised Anxiety Disorder Treatment How to Reduce Anxiety with Online Hypnotherapy How to Deal With Anxiety Do you just worry too much or is it an anxiety disorder? Is it just low mood or depression? What are the signs of depression? Anxiety Hypnotherapy
How to Handle Depression?
How to handle depression? In today’s society many are looking for the answer to this question. Symptoms of Depression Are you experiencing any of the symptoms below? Helpless, useless with little energy Standing still rather than moving forward Carrying a black cloud around you Feeling like a computer that switches off when overloaded If you’re feeling this way there are a number of ways of overcoming your depression 1 – One Step at a Time Life can feel overwhelming when you are suffering with depression. It is important to tackle only one thing at a time when trying to get better. Remember these feelings of lack of worth and hopelessness are transient. And they will eventually pass. Do something productive each day that will give you a sense of achievement 2 – Talking/Reach Out Depression can cause you to isolate yourself. However, when your thoughts are tightly locked up, they can blossom into monstrous fantasies. Talking to a trusted friend or professional can alleviate some of your worries and problems. Simply expressing how you feel and being heard will eliminate some of the fears you may be experiencing. 3 – Do at least one thing you enjoy daily Make the effort to do something that you enjoy at least once a day. Go out with a friend. Take a day trip to a museum, a park or watch a funny movie. This will give you more energy to attend to other tasks that must get done. Be realistic and don’t put too much pressure on yourself 4 – Reality Test When your mood is low you may have a tendency to jump to conclusions. If someone is late for an appointment, you may feel immediately rejected instead of taking into account that they may be stuck in traffic or have mixed the dates up in their diary. Ask yourself how would you feel if you weren’t depressed. Think about how others would deal with this situation? 5 – Exercise Research has shown that physical exercise actually helps your mood. Due to the release of endorphins, your body’s natural uplifting chemicals. Find some type of physical activity that you truly enjoy so that it doesn’t become a chore. For some this can be swimming, for others it could be salsa dancing or just going for a long walk on a regular basis You might even meet new people who will become good friends. 6 – Be creative While you can’t force yourself to have fun or experience pleasure, you can choose to do things that are creative. Try expressing yourself creatively through music, art, or start a diary writing down your thoughts and feelings . 7 – A good diet When you feel depressed you may lose your desire for food. But not eating can make matters worse. The food you eat has a direct impact on the way you feel. Aim to eat regularly and follow a balanced diet of protein, complex carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables. Try to avoid junk/fast food. And avoiding missing out on essential vitamins needed to recover. 8 – Know when to get professional help If you try the above and find your depression is getting worse seek professional help. Asking for help doesn’t mean you’re weak. Sometimes the negative thinking can make you feel like you’re a lost cause, but depression can be treated and you will get better! Help to Beat Depression If you would like to discuss how hypnotherapy can help you beat depression please do get in touch with me today. Further Reading on Depression The Real Difference Between Low Mood And Depression Treating Depression With Hypnotherapy 10 Signs of Depression Improve Motivation to Exercise Generalised Anxiety Disorder Treatment 10 Ways to Help You Beat Depression