Wellbeing

8 ways to banish the blues

Heal your troubled mind with these quick tips from psychiatrist Dr Sabina Dosani

Heal your troubled mind with these quick tips from psychiatrist Dr Sabina Dosani

1 MIND TRICKS
When you’re down in the dumps it’s easy to misconstrue events or circumstances. Think about the last thing that made you miserable; did you assume the worst, focus on the bad stuff or catastrophise the situation? Now go back over the event to see if you can come up with a more level-headed spin.

2 ON YOUR BIKE!
Exercise helps treat depression in several ways: for starters, it gets your brain’s chemical communicators that are out of kilter back into balance. If you can’t face a gym class or a jog around the park try dusting and hoovering. They may seem unlikely mood-boosters but even cleaning can up your heart beat a bit.

3 DITCH THE BITCH
Friends influence the way we see ourselves. A jealous friend might persuade you those jeans don’t suit you just because she can’t afford them. Cutting off people who make you feel bad is one of the most effective self-esteem boosters going. Spend your free time with people who boost your morale, encourage and support you.

4 DEAR DIARY
Pausing to record things on paper can bring peace and serenity. You can discover what really matters; what grieves you and what brings you joy. Writing creates a bit of a distance that helps you to become much more objective about experiences. Doing it daily gives you routine and structure – essential for beating depression.

5 TAKE A TRYP
When you’re unhappy serotonin (the happy hormone) levels in your brain drop. However, tryptophan, a building block of many proteins, converts into serotonin in our bodies. Foods rich in it include: turkey, fish, cottage cheese and banana. Combine these food with some wholemeal pasta and your mood could soar.

6 NATURAL HIGH
St John’s wort has been used as a herbal remedy for thousands of years. The active ingredient hypericin works on brain chemistry like conventional antidepressants. However, you need to take a high dose of the active ingredient for it to be effective. You must always consult a doctor before taking it as it can play havoc with other medication, including the Pill.

7 SEXUAL HEALING
If you’re looking for some personal therapy, sex is a lovely remedy. When you make love, your body releases feel-good chemicals (endorphins) which give you a euphoric buzz. During climax you also get a large rush of oxytocin, another hormone that makes you feel blissful.

8 ANIMAL MAGIC
Many studies have found that being around animals can make you feel better. They give you something to nurture and care for, and can help lower stress and blood pressure. If owning a pet isn’t possible, why not visit a zoo or offer to take a friend’s dog for a walk?

Article by

Lucy Trevallion

Article by

Lucy Trevallion