While medications can help combat depression effectively, supplementing treatment with natural ways to combat the symptoms can improve results. Depression leads to severe anxiety and causes loss of interest, so one should find ways to stay motivated and talk to a loved one for support. Here are five ways to overcome depression naturally:

1. Help others
When experiencing depressive symptoms, one might feel like pulling away from responsibilities and staying away from everyone at work and home. That said, trying to take steps in the opposite direction can actually help. One should try to find ways to help others. This will take the mind off depressive thoughts and help them feel good about themselves.

2. Set small, realistic goals
Depression can leave an individual feeling hopeless and bring in a feeling of low self-worth. To overcome this, one can set and work toward small, attainable goals to help give them a sense of accomplishment. The goals should be realistic and should not overwhelm an individual as it will have the opposite effect. Achieving daily goals can provide a sense of motivation, and one can then set more challenging goals to boost self-esteem.

3. Make time for leisure
People with depression should try to take up something new to push themselves out of feeling stuck. One can make time for a hobby or give themselves a break every few hours to rejuvenate. This can involve visiting a museum, picking up a book to read, or taking up a hobby class. One can also maintain a gratitude journal and mention a few things that they are thankful for every day. This is an effective way to overcome depression naturally as it can help bring more positivity to life.

4. Be mindful
One should be mindful of their thought process while going through the day. Depression causes an individual to judge themselves, and shaking it off can prove challenging. That said, one can try to bring themselves to be mindful of their surroundings and enjoy the present every time they find their mind wandering off.

5. Eat right, sleep well, and exercise daily
Exercise releases endorphins that improve mood, and it also makes one feel tired, which can lead to better sleep. One can take up yoga or indulge in light to moderate exercise. Additionally, it’s important to watch what one eats. Staying away from foods loaded with simple carbohydrates, sugary foods and drinks, and unhealthy junk is a great way to overcome depression naturally. Instead, one can add foods with omega-3 fatty acids to their diet. Also, it’s important to maintain a consistent sleep schedule by hitting the bed and waking up at around the same time every day.

While medication and therapy are necessary for treating depressive symptoms, following these simple steps can help naturally overcome the symptoms.