Nature's Solution to the Blues: Three Things You Can Do to Elevate Your Moods without Popping Pills

Health & Medical Blog

Are you often depressed or sad, yet reluctant to turn to pharmaceutical drugs for relief? While there's no substitute for proper medical care if you've been diagnosed with clinical depression, there are plenty of ways to elevate your mood in general—and fight milder cases of the blues—with safe, natural therapies.

Chiropractic Care

Most people only think of heading to the chiropractor if they have a sore back or a stiff neck. But actually, chiropractors can treat a whole host of other conditions, mood problems being one of them. Mood swings that include bouts of depression, exhaustion, and other negative emotions and feelings are typically associated with imbalances in the brain's chemistry. The secretion of many brain chemicals —also known as neurotransmitters—is affected by the pressure that is placed on spinal nerves when your back is out of alignment. By adjusting your spine, your chiropractor can alleviate this pressure, which will help rebalance your neurotransmitter levels and stabilize your moods. Find a chiropractor like Anthony Iuzzolino DC in your area.

Aromatherapy

One great thing about aromatherapy is that you can utilize it without even leaving your home. So when depressed moods really have you feeling down, this is an easy fix. Aromatherapy relies on using scents to alter the mood. There are a number of essential oils that may help:

• Jasmine is known for its ability to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. It may be a great choice if your depressed moods are related to overworking yourself or dealing with stressful life circumstances.
• The bright, refreshing scent of basil can help if your depressed mood also comes with feelings of exhaustion and fatigue.
•  Another energizing scent, bergamot is great for all types of negative moods, but it's particularly effective when you're feeling low on energy, sad, and blue.

You can enjoy aromatherapy by placing a few drops of any of the essential oils above in a vaporizer with plenty of water.

Exercise

Beating depressed moods may be as simple as forcing yourself to walk out the door and go for a jog or a run. It will be tough the first few times, but as it becomes a habit, you'll find it easier and easier to get out the door and get moving. Exercise results in the release of endorphins, which are your body's own "feel-good" hormones. You don't have to run a marathon or bike 100 miles to harness these effects. Start with a fifteen-minute walk or jog and build from there.

26 May 2016