Feeling down? listless? unmotivated?
Before you reach for a pill (did you know that reports say that one in 10 Americans older than 12 take antidepressants?) Why not go outside?
Being outdoors can lighten your mood immeasurably.
DO SOME GARDENING.
In Europe, doctors prescribe exercise for their depression patients. But I say combine exercise and getting out in nature by gardening, potting up a plant in a can, pruning, edging, anything.... even if you have a small terrace. Go find a nice pot, pot up a small plant- and then talk to it. (I am serious)
Or take a 'forest therapy' walk. Go to where there are some trees and breathe in the air, get in sync with them and you'll definitely feel a little better. Even it is a street tree that you pass by often. Say hi.
GET YOUR SUN ON!
Sunlight is Nature's antidepressant. Bright light absorbed through the eyes - from the retina to the pineal gland - stimulates production of serotonin, the same neurotransmitter that's boosted by the type of antidepressant medication called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
Gardening gets us out in the sun for a time.
NIBBLE ON ANTI-DEPRESSANT SNACKS.
While you are in the garden nibble on walnuts and dark chocolate. Individuals who ate dark chocolate had significantly lower odds of reporting depressive symptoms than those who ate no chocolate at all. (click here for more info).
LISTEN TO FUNNY SKITS.
While you are outside, shoveling and working muscles, Laugh a lot. Listen to a funny comedy routine through earplugs. Studies have shown that laughter does really make you feel better. I like Who's on first' . Click on this, watch it and start laughing (or at least smiling, which also helps you fight the blues).
GET DIRTY!
Studies have shown that there are microbes in garden soil that work better than antidepressants! Getting your hands dirty in the garden can increase your serotonin levels – contact with soil and a specific soil bacteria, Mycobacterium vaccae, triggers the release of serotonin in our brain according to research. Lack of serotonin in the brain causes depression.Do not wear gloves. Important.
The healing power of connecting with soil is much overlooked.
LISTEN TO UPLIFTING MUSIC.
Listen to whatever makes you happy and up. Wear some ear plugs and enjoy. I like Paul Simon. upbeat Indian Music. East African Music. Beatles. Mozart. Any happy upbeat songs…
SURROUND YOURSELF WITH YELLOW.
Yellow increases serotonin too. So plant lots of Yellow Flowers and Yellow Foliage.
Fight the Blues and go with the Yellows!
I hope this inspires you to try out a little garden therapy - of any kind.
And thank you to my wonderful subscribers! More Garden tips are coming…
I am very fortunate to live in the trees! Outside I go, even though it's raining. The yellow daffies will be opening soon. Yay!
Excellent suggestions to be reminded of. Thank you.