Recently, I’ve shared my experiences with depression and anxiety. Although these feelings aren’t new, many people suffer in different ways with one or the other or both, the feelings are new to me. I felt if I broke through the stigma of sharing those feelings it would help me cope better with the demons that are mysteriously affecting my mental health.

This journey has sparked interest in good mental health and how to get there. Also, if you can pull yourself out of depression. Are these possibilities? Or do you have to take medication or deal with this awful darkness that looms over you all the time. At this point, I’m just not sure what my options are. Let’s take a look at some alternatives you can embark on if you are feeling out of sorts, or in a depressed mood:

1. Write-Write down your goals, feelings, joys, or even stories that help to keep the negative emotions flowing through you instead of sitting in your mind.

2. Exercise- Eating well and exercise can give your mind and body the release it needs from toxins in your body.

3. Meditating- is also beneficial for the body, mind, and spirit. You can also learn simple meditations that you can do when you wake up in the morning or when you go to bed at night.

4. Laugh-According to Theresa Borchard, “in 2006 researchers led by Lee Berk, DrPH, and Stanley A. Tan, MD, PhD, at Loma Linda University in Loma Linda, Calif., found that two hormones — beta-endorphins (which alleviate depression) and human growth hormone (HGH, which helps with immunity) — increased by 27 percent and 87 percent, respectively, when volunteers anticipated watching a humorous video. Simply anticipating laughter boosted health-protecting hormones and chemicals.”

5. Set a Routine- as it’s important for children to have a routine to normalize their day and keep chaos at a minimum, adults also need a schedule. We get so busy that having a few staple to-do’s can help to normalize your day and give you something to strive to. For example, journalling, morning coffee, reading before bed.

6. Sleep-It has to be said, sleeping can reset your brain and you should get at least 4-6 hours of uninterrupted sleep. This is almost impossible if you suffer from insomnia or constant anxiety (or kids), but if you meditate, drink tea or read before bed it might help to calm your brain.

You can take small steps in enhancing your moods and mental health. When you move with effort and more consciously you can pinpoint specific triggers and more easily maintain a steady mood and a more positive attitude. Living openly and knowing that not everyone is 100 percent positive and happy all the time will help to destigmatize mental health issues. You are not alone in your struggles and you should never feel ashamed for having issues you can’t always control.