Exercise – If you have depression, or even if you just feel down from time to time, exercise is a MUST. The research is overwhelming in this area, with studies confirming that physical exercise is one of the best tools for helping people who are depressed. One of the primary ways it does this is by increasing the level of endorphins, the “feel good” hormones, in your brain.

Address your stress – For most people, depression is not an illness but a sign that your body and your life are out of balance. This is important, because as soon as you start to view depression as an “illness,” it becomes too easy to believe that you can’t fix it without outside help. Take the power back! Try to return balance to your life by addressing your stress.

Eat a healthy diet — Another factor that cannot be overlooked is your diet. Foods have a huge impact on your mood and ability to cope and be happy. Eating whole foods, avoiding sugar and processed grains as well as any food allergies will help normalize your insulin and leptin levels, which is another powerful tool in addressing depression.

Support optimal brain functioning with essential fats — High quality fish oil is an excellent source of critical, and healthy, fat. This may be the single most important nutrient for the brain to help battle depression.

Get plenty of sunshine – Make sure you keep your Vitamin-D levels up! Even in the wintertime, it’s important to get sunlight exposure. In addition to the Vitamin-D, just being outside and under the sun can be a crucial factor in treating depression or keeping it at bay. See you outside!