Overcome Sadness Naturally With These 8 Tips

[LoShiNi]

Occasionally, we can fall deeper and deeper into a downward spiral: Sadness, despair, depression, melancholy, low energy… and it’s so difficult to escape these thoughts without the help of medication!

But, not everybody want to simply pop pills to make their problems go away. As much as possible, they try to avoid the risk of side effects and addiction which go hand-in-hand with medication.

Luckily, there are natural solutions to improve our state of mind and bring the brightness back into our lives. Here are 8 ways that can help:



1. Seek refuge among nature


Those of us who live in cities are surrounded by concrete and pavement, gray blocks, masses of people and endless noise. Life in urban environments has taken us away from nature, which can help bring us balance

Try to have a weekend escape where you’re in contact with vegetation, a river, or the sea. Let the sun fill you with light and warmth. Bask in the smell of the soil, welcome the rain with open arms, or let yourself be hypnotized by the colors of the mountains.

This way, you’ll have a day, afternoon or a moment of serenity and harmony. This is important for bringing joy back into your life.




2. Weekly sport



Not just to keep in shape or build muscle. Sport is vital for our mood, especially for those people who lead a sedentary life.

Intense physical exercise releases serotonin in our bodies, also known as the happiness hormone… and that’s exactly what we want, right?



3. Foods which send sadness packing

Some foods possess anti-depressive properties thanks to their nutritional value. They contain fatty acids, vitamins and minerals which help naturally regulate the nervous system.

Plus, some nutritional deficiencies are related to sadness and depression. So, we should consume these foods regularly.

Brighten up your life by including the following foods in your regular diet:

• Leafy green vegetables.
• Sunflower and flax seeds (consult your doctor before beginning to eat flax).
• Sardines.
• Oatmeal.
• Legumes such as chickpeas and black beans.

• Dried fruits and walnuts, almonds and pine nuts.
• Avocado.
• Mandarins.
• Chestnuts.
• Eggs.



4. Happy colors using chromotherapy

Although it sounds unusual, the colors around us, including of the clothes we wear, can have a therapeutic effect on our body. It’s even said that our choice of clothing color depends on the mood we’re in.

Leaving sad tones aside, such as black, gray and brown, we can choose one of the following:

• Green is a very balanced color. It’s effects are the same as when we’re in nature.
• Violet is very spiritual and relaxing. Great for meditating.
• Blue is very relaxing, but only works to combat stress-related sadness.
• Orange is full of energy, meaning it brings joy and vitality. It’s perfect for when you need creative inspiration!
• Red projects energy and passion. But use it sparingly, because you don’t want to invite rage.



5. Enjoy anti-depressive aromas


Smells can influence our nervous system, and therefore, our mood. Essential oils can be used therapeutically as perfumes.

More precisely, these essential oils contain anti-depressive properties:

• Citrus.
• Basil.
• Cypress.
• Marjoram.
• Spruce.
• Rosemary.
• Sandalwood.



6. Bach flowers

This is a natural therapy which can balance your emotions without the risks of taking medication, such as addiction and side effects.

These are the most common:

• Wild Oat: To find meaning in life.
• Mustard: Unexplained depression.
• Gentian: Depression caused by known external factors
• Sweet chestnut: For anxiety, with crying tendencies.
• Star of Bethlehem: To overcome grief.
• Wild rose: To overcome apathy.
• Gorse: For hopelessness and pessimism.



7. Check where you’re looking

It may sound strange, but the movements we make with our eyes also influence our nervous system.

When you’re always looking at the ground, you’re looking for another reason to be depressed. Try raising your eyes to promote optimism and your own well-being.



8. Gratitude

Perhaps one of the best pieces of advice for overcoming sadness and melancholy is to aim to be better as a person. Always look to give instead of receive, and above all, be grateful with everybody.

It’s a fight we need to free ourselves of every day. Becoming better takes hard work and dedication. If you manage to enter that positive cycle, your mood will thank you for it.