7 Natural Treatments For Stress And Depression

Combatting stress and depression without the aid of medications can be difficult. Here are some natural treatments that can help you without needing to see a doctor.

1.     Exercise

Exercising is no great secret and is fundamental to mood because it releases endorphins in the brain, which makes people feel good and happy. Walking or jogging for just 15 minutes a day can encourage the brain to rewire itself in positive ways.

2.     Sleep

Going through stress and dealing with depression can make it hard to sleep yet not getting enough sleep can make this even worse. Taking distractions out of the bedroom and going to sleep and getting up at the same time every day are some changes to encourage better-sleeping patterns, according to Natural News.

3.     Eat healthy

Eating healthy as a whole can help with your mood in general, but there are some foods that contribute better to being happy such as fish oil, healthy fats, eggs, flaxseed oil and sour cherries. These are natural serotonin enhancers, which is a chemical in the brain that contributes to being happy.

4.     Drink tea

While many doctors advise against coffee, drinking tea may be a different story since many teas are mood boosters with caffeine. Green tea and chamomile tea both have properties that can help reduce stress which are natural treatments for fatigue.

5.     Music

Studies have shown that listening to classical and baroque music can help improve moods. Therapeutic music that contains 'binaural beats' that can help calm the mind and body.

6.     Challenge negative thoughts

People who are depressed, leap to the worst possible conclusions which means depression has a lot to do with their mental state. Logic can be used as a natural treatment for stress and depression by challenging any negative thoughts before they get out of control, Web MD reports. 

7.     Do something fun

Making time for things a person enjoys can help people suffering from stress and depression.  Fun can be anything from creating crafts and artworks, going for a quick vacation getaway to getting a nice long massage. Keep trying to find new ways to have fun to take the load off of one's own thoughts and worries.