Esperanza Hope To Cope: The Best Ways to Master Stress During Depression

by bp Magazine

Stress can hit harder when you’re also dealing with depression and anxiety; here’s how to cope:

 

Unclutter your life

Take small steps to clear out your house, your work space, environment and your schedule. This can be a daunting task, but each baby step will be worth it. When we reduce the amount of discord in our life, things become simpler. And by establishing a regular routine, you are in charge of what you take on and you’ll know what to expect. The more aspects of your life that are organized, the easier things will be to balance.

 

Take time out

Try not to get wrapped up in the problems of the past or the stresses of the future and instead focus on the present. One of the easiest ways to accomplish this is to meditation, or mindfulness. Take just 10 minutes to sit quietly and simply notice your thoughts, even if they’re negative, and then let them go, bringing your awareness to the present moment. If sitting still is difficult, take a walk in nature (a forest is best) for its beneficial grounding effect.

 

Make rest a priority

Realize that stress can negatively affect the quality of your sleep: you lie in bed, anxious and worried and unable to shut off your thoughts in order to get the needed rest. The quality of your sleep is affected and then it’s more difficult to function the next day. It’s a worrisome cycle because when you don’t get enough sleep your body boosts its levels of stress hormones. There are a number of things you can do to help: turn off screens in the evening, take a relating bath, sip chamomile tea and focus your brain on something other than your problems, like your breath or counting sheep.

 

Get physical

Beneficial changes occur in the brain following regular exercise. Exercise improves neurotrophins, a family of proteins that promote brain functioning. (Neurotrophins are among the most exciting new developments being explored by neuroscientists.) Make sure to talk with your doctor about beginning an exercise program if you’re not physically active.

 

 

via Esperanza – Hope To Cope
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