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Learning to Depression-Proof Your Environment

Apr 22, 2015
  • Practical Solution
  • Self Care
Woman opening up curtains

Adjust Arrangement

You do not have to be a master of feng shui to know that changing the arrangement of the furniture in your living room or bedroom can dramatically change the way you view it. The bonus comes when it changes the way you see yourself inside these rooms.

Move your couch or bed against a different wall or leave it in the middle of the room. Allow your creativity to come out as your explore and experiment with different options.

Changing your furniture will force you to change your routines. Routines are good until they develop into ruts. New routines encourage you to find new ways of doing things. This spark is an opportunity to reduce depression.

Adjust Smells

To this point, the information has focused on the sights in your home, but what about your smells? Does your place smell fresh and clean or stale and dank?

Your sense of smell is constantly working, even if you are not thinking about it. Because of the perpetual nature of this sense, modifying what you smell can influence your mood.

What smells do you like? Think about the aromas of places that have a positive association for you. Flowers, clean linens, freshly cut grass and fruits are a few of the more popular choices. The good news is that nearly every scent imaginable is available in a spray, candle or plug-in air freshener, so finding your match may be easier than you think.

Instead of choosing only one, set a rotation of smells. Your brain has the ability to get used to smells so that they are less noticeable over time. Having a new smell every few days can keep the novelty alive. Use different delivery systems to add to the variety throughout the day.

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If all else fails, open a window to let in the fresh air. It will help blow out the smell of depression.

Adjust Foods

You are most likely to consume the foods and drinks that are available to you in your home. Because of this, the contents of your fridge and pantry play a vital role in your mood.

Do you eat more or less when depressed? Does your food make you depression-proof or depression-prone?

The system to inspect is simple. Are you eating fruits, vegetables and lean meats, or are you mostly consuming the contents of brightly colored boxes?

The process begins by heading to the grocery store. Stroll the aisles for some fresh, whole foods. Whole foods are ones that retain their original shape, color and size. It is true that eating higher quality foods is more expensive, but it is so valuable. How much would you pay for less depression?

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Next page: more ways to adjust - food, temperature, and media.

Eric Patterson
Eric Patterson, LPC is a professional counselor in western Pennsylvania working for the last 10 years to help children, teens and adults achieve their goals and live happier lives. Read more about Eric and his writing at www.ericlpattersonwriting.com. See all of Eric's articles
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