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Looking for relief from stress, depression and anxiety? Here are five quick tips to aid in combating depression:

Here are some great tips to help you conquer feeling depressed and get the MOST bliss and happiness out of your daily activities.

Tip #1. Let In Sun!

Working hard without regular breaks is a great way to build up stress and tension. Make sure you have at least one 15-minute break in the morning and the afternoon – and make sure you take a lunch break – at least 30 minutes to allow your body and brain to relax and reset. If possible, eat lunch away from your workstation – get outside in the sunshine if you can.

Taking a day off, or a weekend away – longer if you can – to get some breathing space will really help as well. Even just a day away from the firing line will enable you to get some distance from the problems, help you to gather your thoughts and reduce (at least) some of the causes of depression for you.

2. Regular exercise can help relieve stress, depression and anxiety.

Exercise releases endorphins into your system and will give you a natural boost – making it harder for depression to set in.

Exercise will also provide you with a break from brooding and dwelling upon problems and troubles – but only if you perform the right kind of exercises. Avoid forms of exercise that will let you brood (weight lifting, jogging, treadmills) and partake in exercises that require your full concentration. Competitive sports such as squash, tennis, badminton and circuit training are all excellent examples.

3. Stop beating yourself up. Self-deprecation is a huge part of stress, depression and anxiety. Each time you beat up on yourself, you erode your confidence and self-esteem.

Listen to some soothing music you like; soak in a nice warm bath; simply take a break from your stressful workload and spend the day just goofing around doing the things you love. In other words, go have fun. Life’s too short as it is.

Tip #4. Maintain a healthy Diet and Stay Fit.

4. Isolation is another problem experienced by stress, depression and anxiety sufferers. It is quite o.k to want some time to yourself – but it’s not o.k to be constantly alone and shun the companionship of others. When you constantly isolate yourself, you allow yourself to dwell on problems and events and beat yourself up for hours on end.

Use isolation positively by tackling a puzzle (like a jigsaw puzzle, a logic problem or a crossword), reading a book, painting, playing a musical instrument or whatever it is you have an interest in. In this way, isolation will help you to grow instead of sinking further into depression.

Tip #5. Get a Social Life outside of work.

Take a break from watching the news, reading the paper or listening to the radio. Try avoiding the media for just a week to begin with – but ultimately if you can avoid it for long stretches at a time you’ll find it has a much longer lasting effect.

These five depression busting tips will help raise your spirits and bring a better quality to your life.

If you are concerned that you, or a loved one may be suffering from depression, try this Free Online Depression Screening Test to determine what help you may need.

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