Strategies for Depression and Anxiety.

Five activities that help me cope with depression and anxiety.

I have endured depression and anxiety for years.  I seldom take medication to calm down.  Certain activities help me calm down, relax, and feel well again.

Here are the activities that have helped me the most.

• Disconnecting from electronics.

First, I disconnect from electronic gadgets.

Spending too much time in front of an electronic gadget makes me feel more stressed.  The constant sounds from electronic gadgets and the pressure to constantly communicate with others gives me mental overload.  Mental overload has always made me feel depressed and anxious.

• Music

Second, I enjoy music.

I listen to music often, especially soft or classical music.  Classical music slows my pulse and heart rates, lowers my blood pressure,  and decreases my levels of stress hormones.

If I am near a piano or keyboard, I practice piano.   Playing the piano relaxes me, even if I am learning a challenging song.  Piano relaxes me simply because both hemispheres of my brain work to create music.  This focus takes my mind off of negative things.

• Walking

Third, I walk.

Walking enables my body to release endorphins, which make me feel so much better and less anxious.  I walk until I no longer feel anxious.  This usually takes less than 45 minutes.

• A warm bath

Fourth, I take a warm bath.

I love taking a nice warm bath, especially when I feel depressed or anxious.   Usually I play a relaxing music while bathing.  I often get so relaxed that I fall asleep in the bathtub.

• Art

Fifth, I color or draw.  I am not an artist so I usually just color in an adult coloring book.  Art helps me to relax and makes me feel better.

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There have been times in the past when I have needed medication for anxiety and depression.  But these strategies have helped me cope with both issues.  Once I relax and feel well again, I can process what I need to do to solve whatever issue I am facing.

I hope that you overcome depression and anxiety naturally as often as possible.

 

Let the encouraging words in these near a river posts help you

soar like an eagle above life’s storms.

 

I have much to be thankful for, and so do you!

Reduce your anxiety and worry naturally.

You can get over life’s speed bumps!

The honeymoon is over.  Now what?

 

If you enjoyed this post, remember that BJ writes children’s books.

Her encouraging children’s eagle

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