Natural Ways to Keep Anxiety and Depression at Bay
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health illnesses in the United States. According to statistics, one in five people is living with some form of anxiety disorders like social anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorders, and phobias. If the condition is not addressed in time, it can lead to a serious case of depressive disorders. Scientists have established a connection between anxiety disorders and depression even though it is not clear why that is the case. There are several natural ways to keep anxiety and depression at bay.
Exercise
There are many documented studies that show the mental benefits of exercise. Studies on the effects of exercise in reducing the risk of anxiety and depression have shown that it is just as effective as medication in alleviating signs of anxiety in some people. Exercise facilitates blood flow and releases a feel-good hormone that promotes a general sense of well being. One 30 minute session is enough to reduce the effects of the symptoms for hours.
Relaxation Techniques
The positive effects of meditation on alleviating anxiety and promoting a general sense of wellbeing have been demonstrated in countless studies going back four decades. A 10 to 20-minute meditation session per day is enough to eliminate symptoms of anxiety for the rest of the day. Regular meditation also happens to have many other scientifically backed mental and physical health benefits.
Talk To Someone
Depression and anxiety are characterized by repetitive negative thoughts. For this reason, people who have these mental health challenges may not be in a position to see clearly what they need to do to overcome their problems. Isolation can make the problem worse. Talk to a friend or a family member you trust. Even though the above-suggested techniques are effective, you need to seek professional help if your symptoms last for more than 14 days.