Depression

Getting Grounded (earthing)

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Getting Grounded (earthing)The phenomenon of being grounded involves being centered, focused, embodied, and in better control of all your faculties. It is a helpful state of being for reducing anxiety, dealing with depression, and addressing trauma.

Walk in the Grass in Bare Feet!

What is it: Take off your shoes and allow the soles of your feet to come in contact with the sand, grass, rocks, soil, or even indoors.

Why it works: People who talk about the phenomenon of earthing describe the electron transfer between living systems and the electromagnetic field of the earth. They may sound a bit esoteric, but research does confirm the antioxidant effects of walking barefoot on the earth. Some of the additional benefits include stimulation of reflexology points on the feet as well as the articulation of the joints of the foot and the benefits of the massaging action of walking barefoot on the fascia and other tissues of the feet.

Walk inside with bare feet while its cold, but get outside with those bare feet when it warms up.

Gardening

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GardeningWhat it is: Just like it sounds, gardening (called horticultural therapy) has benefits in addition to eating the fresh vegetables you have grown.

How it works: Gardening is shown to reduce depression, uplift mood, and improve memory. Some of this may be related to the effects of being outside in the sunshine, and fresh air, as well as enjoying the benefits of moving and getting exercise. There is also research that shows that being exposed to soil microbes actually has a similar effect on the brain and nervous system as some anti-depressants.

Using Essential Oils to Help Us Emotionally

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Let’s talk about some Young Living oils that can help us emotionally during our time of social distancing and not leaving the house. Here are a few that I use most frequently.

Joy


I use Joy when I am feeling a bit down or depressed because I haven’t been able to go out and see others for a while. A few drops of Joy in my diffuser boosts my mood.		Joy

Peace and Calming


I use Peace and Calming when I start feeling anxious or worried about all that is going on around me. It works great at calming me down.		Peace and Calming

Stress Away


I use Stress Away when I get stressed about all those what if’s in life. This can also come in handy when you have multiple people confined in one home for long periods of time. It can help to diffuse short tempers. Peace and Calming could also be used for this.		Stress Away

There are many other Young Living oils that can help us through this trying and emotional time, but these are the ones I generally go to first.

If you are interested in learning more about any of the information in these blogs please feel free to contact me through The Hammock LLC.

Well, that is it for now. We will chat again later.

Melissa

Forest Bathing

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Forest BathingWhat is it? Japanese name for this practice is Shinrin-Yoku. Distinct from hiking, forest bathing is a practice of simply spending time in nature without any agenda. You can be in a remote area or even a park or urban forest to experience the benefits. Find a spot you love that is easy to access and just go outside. Refrain from text messaging.

How it works – Proven stress-relief comes from spending unstructured time in nature. There is a growing body of research that confirms the benefits, which include stress-reduction, improved immune system function, and reduction in anxiety and depression.

My favorite places for forest bathing are Lake Michigan, and in the woods in the fall and winter when there are few people. What is your favorite place to “forest bathe”? I love to either walk mindfully or just sit in one spot. Give it a try…I bet you will feel a sense of peace and a clearer mind.

Tips to Help Prevent Stress, Anxiety, and Mild Depression During the Winter Months

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  • Tips to Help Prevent Stress, Anxiety, and Mild Depression During the Winter MonthsMake realistic expectations for each day
  • Set realistic goals for yourself
  • Pace yourself. Do not take on more responsibilities than you can handle
  • Make a list and prioritize the important activities
  • Be realistic about what you can and can not do
  • Do not put all your energy into just one day
  • “Live in the moment” not all of the stuff that needs to be done
  • Look to the future with optimism
  • Don’t set yourself up for disappointment and sadness by comparing today with “the good old days” of the past
  • If you are lonely, try volunteering some of your time to help others
  • Limit your consumption of alcohol, since excessive drinking will only increase your feelings of depression
  • Try something new
  • Spend time with supportive and caring people
  • Reach out and make new friends
  • Make time to contact a long lost friend or relative
  • Make time for yourself
  • Let others share the responsibilities of daily tasks
  • Keep track of your spending. Overspending can lead to depression when the bills arrive