Depression and anxiety can be difficult to overcome.

When you begin to feel stress and worry, it can be seem impossible to work through. Here are a few ideas to help you manage:

1. Supplements – Good quality supplements can go a long way in helping you cope. It is important that your body has the right nutrients to deal effectively with anxiety and depression. It is important to determine if you are deficient in vital nutrients such as B6, B12, Vitamin D and folic acid to name a few. These keep your brain functioning at it’s optimal level and helps to increase your serotonin levels. These are the “feel good” chemicals in your brain.

2. Probiotics – Often underrated, probiotics are very important to your gut health. Since 90% of our serotonin is made in our gut, we have to ensure that we are getting what we need to help our gut function at it’s best! Be sure to look for Probiotics with high culture counts because stomach acid does break down a lot of it, so good quality, high culture count is very important.

3. Sleep – We have all heard it. Get enough sleep! Sometimes easier said than done. However, sleep is crucial to helping us deal with stress better. So if you feel tired, take that nap. Your body and stress levels will thank you! Following a regular sleep routine helps to calm and restore your body, improves concentration, regulates mood, and sharpens judgment and decision-making. You are a better problem solver and are better able to cope with stress when you're well-rested.

4. Exercise – For people who don’t enjoy working out this can be a tough one. But it doesn’t have to be. Choose something you enjoy – a walk with a friend, swimming or a short bike ride. As long as you are consistent and get 20-30 mins of vigorous exercise 4 days a week, you are on the right track. Change it up. It doesn’t have to be the same everyday and you don’t need a gym membership. Even if you can’t commit to 20-30 minutes, every little bit helps. Remember that exercise increases your endorphin levels – that’s another one of those “feel good” chemicals in your brain. So do the best you can. Start small and work your way up to longer.

I hope that these tips help you to manage and deal more effectively with your stress and anxiety.

For more information about Hope Wellness Services, please visit my website at hopewellnessservices.ca