Depression and anxiety are two of the most common mental health disorders that affect millions of people worldwide. While therapy and medication are effective ways to manage these conditions, making certain lifestyle changes can also help. As someone who wasn’t really active growing up, I was never introduced to the true benefits of having healthy habits, and boy was I missing out! In this blog post, we will discuss the top 10 best healthy habits that can help with depression and anxiety.

Exercise has been proven to be an effective way to alleviate depression and anxiety symptoms. It helps to release endorphins, which are natural mood boosters, and reduce the levels of stress hormones in the body. The difference a good workout can make is truly life changing, especially if followed by consistency.

 Sleep plays a crucial role in our mental and physical health. Lack of sleep can worsen symptoms of depression and anxiety, so it’s important to prioritize getting enough quality sleep. Staying up at night watching tv can cause an emotional and psychological impact. The content you watch on TV can influence your emotions and mood. If you’re watching intense or distressing shows, it may affect your emotional state and make it harder to unwind and relax before bed. Waking up early and rested to get the day started is essential. It’s true what they say, the early bird gets the worm!

Mindfulness and meditation are practices that help to reduce stress and anxiety by promoting relaxation and present-moment awareness. To live in the present and not dwell in the past is key when healing. Take 10 minutes out of the busy hectic day to just center yourself and become one with the universe. We can get so disconnected sometimes with everyday life, practicing meditation can be one of the many things that can help us feel connected and whole again.

Social support is essential for maintaining good mental health. Make an effort to connect with friends and family regularly, join a support group, or find a therapist. I know most of us tend to do the total opposite when we are going through something but it’s important to have a shoulder to lean on in tough times.

A well-balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein can help to improve mood and reduce anxiety. You will feel so much better when you eat a healthy meal vs. processed food that can make you feel bloated and hungry again in no time. A healthy meal can help supply your body with some of the much needed nutritions for a healthier mind.

Avoid alcohol and drugs – Alcohol and drugs can worsen symptoms of depression and anxiety, so it’s important to avoid them or use them in moderation. Don’t dilute your problems, face them and grow from them!

Self-care activities such as taking a warm bath, reading a book, or practicing a hobby can help to reduce stress and improve mood. Take some time to take care of yourself, fall in love with yourself! Self-care is a personal journey, and it’s important to find what works best for you. It’s about prioritizing your well-being and making time for activities that bring you joy, relaxation, and fulfillment.

Negative thoughts can worsen depression and anxiety symptoms. Challenge negative thoughts by focusing on positive self-talk and practicing gratitude. Sometimes we can be our own worst critic, it’s important to be patient with yourself. Only feed into good positive thoughts.. You can do anything you put your mind to! Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise, not even those negative thoughts.

Setting achievable goals can help to improve self-esteem and provide a sense of accomplishment, which can help to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Set little goals that can help you reach bigger goals. Keep growing and reaching those milestones, appreciate your wins big or small!

If you are struggling with depression or anxiety, it’s important to seek professional help. A therapist or counselor can provide support and help you develop a treatment plan that works for you. Don’t feel ashamed to reach out, sometimes a helping hand is what we need.