Overcoming the
BLUES
Most of the time, “the Blues” comes
from something bothering you that you
have not yet been able to identify, or
you’re unconsciously trying to hide from
something. This can be something current,
such as problems in a relationship, or it
can be something from the past, such as
unresolved grief over the loss of a parent.
According to Carole Lieberman M.D., one
way to discover the issue and cure it is
psychotherapy. Once you’ve identified
the problem that’s been gnawing at
you, like the princess finding the pea
under her mattress, healing begins.
While the therapy is progressing, it also
helps to do comforting things like having
a massage, or stop into your favorite store
to have make-up done, something that
makes you happy.
Dr. Gabrielle Francis suggests
Detox. Detoxing leads to a better mood
through greater vitality. She also noted
nourishment and hydration. Eat brainboosting foods such as wild cold-water
fish, eggs, coconut oil, olive oil, organic
meats, dark chocolate, and dark leafy
greens. Avoid sugar, alcohol, refined
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RENTON WOMAN MAGAZINE
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carbohydrates, sodas, and processed foods,
which cause hormone and blood sugar
imbalances that impact your mood and
brain function. Dehydration can heighten
anxiety by causing mood swings, fatigue,
tension, and difficulty concentrating. Drink
8–10 glasses of water daily to stay hydrated
and limit caffeine to 1–2 cups daily. Too
much caffeine increases cortisol, which
can cause depression and anxiety.
Aleya Littleton, MA, TAP suggests
making self-care a priority. Feeling blue
can be caused by a number of things, but it
is perpetuated by how we think about and
care for ourselves. When you are feeling
down, it’s not the time to beat up on yourself
further. It’s time to focus on building
yourself up. Do this by eating healthy food,
getting your hair done, spending time in
the sunshine, cleaning up your room or
putting a vase of flowers on your desk.
Get your hands dirty. Not only does
time in nature improve your mood, but
there is a bacteria in soil that can help
combat depression and make you more
resilient to stress. Try planting some
flowers outside your house, going on a
hike and building a fort in the woods,
or starting a window herb garden.
Do something nice for someone else. Being
generous and thoughtful to someone else
creates feelings, connection, empathy, and
universality - basically, relief from loneliness
RentonWomanMagazine.com