Clinical depression is radically different from a passing feeling of sadness. It is a phase of low mood that lasts for more than three to four weeks at a stretch. Typical symptoms of depression are social withdrawal, insomnia, change in appetite, weight gain or loss, extreme pessimism and a feeling of worthlessness.

Passing phases of sadness can potentially lead to clinical depression if not attended to. It is imperative that you arm yourself with some protection to avoid such a situation. Some simple procedures including natural remedies for depression can prove very helpful in boosting energy levels and avoiding depressive moods.

According to the ancient Indian therapy Ayurveda, disease is caused by an imbalance of the three aspects. These aspects are the basis of the healthy functioning of a body. They are vata (wind), kapha (phlegm) and pitta (heat). Depression occurs when this imbalance is accompanied by “lack of awareness of one’s deeper, inner Self.”

Apart from targeting diet and lifestyle changes that restore this imbalance the main focus of Ayurveda in treating depression is on natural meditation and awareness of the inner Self. Ayurveda uses techniques like meditation and yoga to help in combating depression. One does not need to be a yogic expert to perform these basic exercises. These exercises can be performed in the comfort of your home. They can help in achieving inner bliss and can promote positive thinking.

The most significant aspect of Ayurvedic treatment is that it does not have any of the side effects that are associated with conventional medication. Ayurveda can be very helpful in treating depression naturally.

According to Ayurveda one should sleep before 10pm, which is the start of the “kapha” time. This ensures a sound sleep that is not disrupted by emotional distress and tossing in bed. Sleeping late makes you feel hungry. Eating at odd hours in the night puts an undue burden on the digestive system. The digestive system, therefore, does not get the rest and is unable to carry out the natural detoxification process effectively. Sleeping through late mornings leads to a choking of the system and causes dullness and reduced communication between the heart and mind.

Ayurveda proposes getting up early in the morning and performing some basic deep breathing exercises. Exercise is a great stress reliever and it also helps you remain in good shape. The early morning sun provides positive energy and uplifts moods. A walk in early sunlight also helps in easy bowel movement, which is necessary for the energy that you need to meet the challenges of the day.

Ayurveda recommends dietary changes that are easy on the digestive system for easy elimination. These are natural foods that help in creating stability in emotions, balance in the natural body systems and therefore aid in attaining a healthy body. Oily and fried foods should be avoided. Instead opt for healthy foods like milk, clove, walnut, pear and coconut. Fresh cheese, raisins, nuts and dates are natural sources of healthy proteins. Coffee is a stimulant that increases anxiety, a major cause behind depression. Homemade buttermilk prepared from fresh yogurt is a healthy substitute to coffee.

If you really want to live longer, make the right lifestyle choices:

Be optimistic
Optimists decrease their risk of early death by 50 % compared with pessimists. Don’t worry, be happy, and live longer!

Socialize
Scientist found that death rates are twice as high for the most socially isolated people compared with those with strong social ties.

Be curious
According to studies, curious people live about 30% longer than people who are not.

Get spiritual
People who attend religious ceremonies regularly are likely to live significantly longer than their non-religious friends.

Feel younger
People who behave as if they are younger live longer. Teen clothing might be not the best idea, juts revive a few of the things you liked doing when young.

Feast on fruits and veggies
If you don’t consume fruit daily, your risk of stomach cancer doubles or even triples. As well, fruits and veggies are rich in antioxidants that can help your body counteract the damaging signs of aging.

Get enough potassium
A diet deprived in potassium can raise blood pressure. One banana provides the the extra 400 mg of potassium that decreases probability of a fatal stroke by 40%.

Say “Ohm”
Yoga and meditation reduce stress, which is one of the major causes of the aging process.

Get married
Being married encourages healthy behavior: married people are more likely to be active, eat breakfast, wear seat belts and not smoke. Tie the knot to stay alive!

Reference: Floyd, E. (2005). 1001 little health miracles.

Chakra is a Sanskrit word that translates as wheel or disc or turning. Chakras are energy centers in our body that have different vibrational frequencies. These frequencies correspond to specific colors, emotions and feelings.

Sahasrara – Crown Chakra – White: Light and spirituality

Ajna – Brow or Third Eye Chakra- Purple: Intuition

Vishuddha – Throat Chakra – Blue: Communication

Anahata – Heart Chakra – Green: Giving and receiving love

Manipura – Solar Plexus Chakra – Yellow: Relationships and trust

Swadhisthana – Spleen Chakra – Orange: Emotions and sexuality

Muladhara – Base or Root Chakra – Red: Strength and passion

When your charkas are in balance, so is your spirit. You can effect on your energy centers by meditating on certain chakra colors or bringing these colors into your life.
For example, you have communication problems. That means your throat (blue) chakra is blocked. Try focusing on blue color, staring at the sky, wearing something blue. Do you ever wonder why you choose to wear certain colors each day? It’s rarely a conscious decision. It’s your spirit craving those colors.

Reference: Douglas, K. (2004) Beautified.

Deep breathing is a critical piece of maintaining good health. It helps to relieve a range of stress-related symptoms, such as anxiety, panic attacks, and irritability. Breathing exercises is something you can practice any time you feel the need. In fact, signing and yawning are signs that your body isn’t getting enough oxygen; the sigh or yawn is your body’s way of righting the situation. The following deep breathing techniques are modeled after yogic breathing exercises. Deep breathing increases the levels of oxygen to your organs, calms the nervous system, helps to keep your mind clear, relaxes the small arteries, and permanently lowers blood pressure.

Abdominal breathing

Lie down on a mat or on your bed. Take slow, deep,rhythmic breaths through your nose. When your abdominal cavity is expanded, it means that your lungs have filled completely, which is important. Then, slowly exhale  completely, watching your abdomen collapse again. Repeat 6-10 times. Practise this morning and night.

Extended abdominal breathing

Extended abdominal breathing is a variation of the above. When your abdomen expands with air, take three more short inhalations. Then, after you’ve exhaled in one long breath, don’t inhale yet. Try three more short exhales.

Abdominal lift

Stand with feet apart (about shoulder width), bend the knees slightly, bend forward, exhale completely, and brace your hands above the knees. Then lift the abdomen upward while holding your exhalation. Your abdomen should look concave. Stand erect again and inhale just before you feel the urge to gasp.

Rapid abdominal breathing

This is abdominal breathing done at a fast speed, so it feels as though your inhalations and exhalations are forceful and powerful. Try to do this 25-100 times. Each breath should last only a second or so, compared to the 10-20 seconds involved in regular deep abdominal breathing.

Alternate nostril breathing

Hold one nostril closed, inhaling and exhaling deeply. Then alternate nostrils. This breathing exercise is often done prior to meditation. It is thought to balance the left and right sides of the brain.

Related posts:
Conscious breathing
How to meditate
Benefits of yoga

Related post: Deep breathing