10 Lifestyle Changes to Overcome Anxiety And Depression

Everyone experiences stress at some point in their lives. There are those who go through anxiety and depression on a daily basis, and those who live with unimaginable trauma. What people need to realise is that when it comes to mental health, they have to help themselves. They can get in touch with counsellors who are there to guide them through this. During their sessions, they can discuss coping methods with the counsellors, so that they can embark on the journey to getting better whilst fully equipped.

At Mentoria, we understand the importance of easing the mind. When career confusion has you down, Mentoria can help you find clarity.  Take Mentoria’s holistic psychometric career assessment test to discover your ideal career based on your unique interests, skills and personality. 

Here are a few coping methods that you can follow:

1. Talk To a Loved One

People generally keep mum about their issues, because they don’t want to relive them by talking about it. However, talking about your problems helps you face and process them in a healthy way. It can also help you feel lighter and better. Also, it is always good to know that there is someone who cares about you. It can give you a sense of emotional relief.

2. Go Offline

While many of us love using social media to stay connected, excessive use can lead to anxiety, depression, loneliness, and FOMO. As a result, disconnecting from the internet can help you change your habits and enhance your mood. Going offline and spending some “me-time” is an unparalleled way to deal with stress and anxiety. Art, music, sports, cooking, volunteering, or even simple pastimes like building blocks or jigsaw puzzles are very therapeutic. Incorporate these into your day.

3. Unfollow Negativity

People don’t realise that some of the many accounts they follow on social media may be adding to the toll on their mind. Constant posts about being unhappy, heartbreak, suicide, or even posts that constantly criticise add to the negativity you feel. Unfollow them and follow accounts that spread awareness about mental health and provides you with tips to stay healthy. You can also follow accounts that post positive thoughts on their feed, there’s nothing better than waking up to a couple of healthy quotes. This will help you kickstart your day with a positive energy.

4. Maintain a Journal

Journaling has been recommended by many mental health professionals as a way to boost your mood and manage depression symptoms. People also tend to forget the things that trigger them during the course of the day. When you maintain a journal you can revisit the day, and understand what affects you. This helps you figure out what areas you need to work on to better your mental health. Also, writing your thoughts down on a paper can help eliminate the burden of holding them back.

Need help understanding yourself and discovering the career that suits you best? Speak to Mentoria’s expert career counsellors for personalised step-by-step guidance at any stage in your career discovery journey.

5. Self-care

When dealing with a lot of mental health issues, it is important to spend some time tending to yourself. This means eating well, bathing regularly, getting an adequate amount of rest, and occasionally indulging in a few guilty pleasures. Moderate exercise performed five times a week can significantly improve your mood. Pay attention to how the food or drink you’re consuming affects your mood. You don’t have to follow fad diets, but anyone who binges on carbs, junk food, and energy drinks on a regular basis will be depressed.These simple tasks work like a charm to calm your mind.

6. Take a Break

Every person needs a break now and then, but many people do not take advantage of their free time. Whether you’re planning a vacation, a staycation, or a playcation, it’s critical to get away from daily chores, routine, and life’s obligations to keep stress levels in check.Taking a break from one’s routine helps kill the monotony and gives you a chance to breathe and focus on the other aspects of life. Also, breaks are a great way to rejuvenate yourself before taking on another task.

7. Reevaluate and Prioritise

Most people want to get as much work done as they can before the day ends. This unnecessarily adds to their stress. Stand back and evaluate if the task is a priority. Categorising tasks as per their importance and urgency can help you prioritise your day and leave you with enough time to loosen up. This will also eliminate the stress of not being able to acheive a target. Set your deadlines and bring yourself to complete them.

8. Focus on the Positives

To complain is the easiest and the most futile way to spend your words. Cribbing about traffic, money problems, body image issues, and other problems comes naturally to us. If you find yourself worrying about the future or overthinking the past, take a deep breathe and bring yourself back to the present. Think about all the positivity in your life in that moment. Purposely drawing your attention to the good things happening in your life will help you stay positive.

9. Count Your Blessings

Be grateful for things in your life. Make gratitude lists and revisit them often. Being thankful for things brings on a positive approach to life, the more positive you are, the lesser your mind will be affected by stressful situations. Rather than punishing yourself for a lack of appreciation, focus on what is going on right now. Be grateful for everything that makes you happy and everything that matters. 

10. Meditate and Exercise

Exercise is a well-known way to cope with stress and anxiety. Physical activity helps reduce stress and is a great way to deal with depression as well. Moderate exercise, such as walking, swimming or yoga, when performed three to five times a week can significantly improve your mood. Meditation helps regulate breathing and keeps you calm. Plus, following a routine helps in maintaining a sense of control, leaving lesser room for anxiety.

You have to make sure that you are constantly working towards your health even outside your sessions. Employing coping skills in life is a great way to do so. Developing these skills not only help when you’re down, but when turned into habits they help lead a better, more healthy life.

We at Mentoria know that the career journey is anything but straightforward. That’s why we offer career counselling at any point during your career. Our 4-step career guidance solution, helps us find the right career fit for you from 3 streams, 850+ courses & 12,000+ careers.