Less gloomy thanks to these tips
According to the Elderly Fund, a quarter of the elderly feel more gloomy in January than in the rest of the year. There is something to do!
*Talk about it. Feel free to discuss what you feel with friends / or family. And it is especially wise to talk to a general practitioner, or of course a psychologist, if you have psychological complaints.
*Write it down. For many people, writing down thoughts can help. You can then get rid of negative thoughts. Keeping a journal will help you see what makes you more positive.
* Maintain regularity. Structure in your life gives negative thoughts less chance. So go to bed at set times and get up at set times.
* Find distraction. Some people like to go for walks, others love music. Try to discover what are pleasant ways for you to change your mind.
* Move. Movement makes you fitter and is good for your night’s sleep. Running therapy can be a great way to deal with depression.
* Reflect on your life. It may be a busy time, but try to sit down and think about your life. What makes you happy? Are certain things really so negative or do you sometimes see it too black and white and perhaps more nuanced in reality?
*Self-care products. The over-the-counter remedies valerian and St. John’s wort can each in their own way help with mild depressive symptoms. Valerian root can have a mild sedative effect. Very important; Always first discuss with your GP or psychologist which self-care products you want to use.
John’s wort has been shown to help with mild depressive symptoms. But how it works exactly is not clear. However, it is established that St. John’s wort reduces the effect of other medicines. Such as the contraceptive pill, antacids, sleeping and sedative medicines that your doctor may prescribe (such as alprazolam and midazolam) and medicines for various conditions. Preferably get St. John’s wort from the pharmacy, because there you can check whether it goes well with any other medicines you are taking. There are also preparations with St. John’s wort for sale at the drugstore and the health food store, but you get less information there and there is not always a leaflet with it.
Source: Plus Practical Getting better through Self-care
